National Register of Historic Places listings in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana facts for kids
Have you ever wondered which buildings and places in your area are super old and important? In Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana, there's a special list of places that are recognized for their history and unique style. This list is called the National Register of Historic Places. It helps protect these amazing spots so people can enjoy them for many years to come!
Right now, there are 21 different buildings and areas in Calcasieu Parish that are on this important list. One place used to be on the list but was removed. Let's explore some of these cool historic treasures!
Contents
- What is the National Register of Historic Places?
- Exploring Calcasieu Parish's Historic Treasures
- Notable Historic Buildings
- Calcasieu Marine Bank
- Calcasieu Parish Courthouse
- Cash Grocery and Sales Company Warehouse
- Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception
- Charleston Hotel
- Deweyville Swing Bridge
- Kansas City Southern Depot
- Muller's Department Store
- Noble Building
- Old Lake Charles City Hall
- Waters Pierce Oil Company Stable Building
- Other Historic Listings
- Notable Historic Buildings
- Former Listings
- Images for kids
What is the National Register of Historic Places?
The National Register of Historic Places is like a hall of fame for buildings, sites, and objects that are important to American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, or culture. When a place is added to this list, it means it's recognized as special and worth preserving. It's a way to celebrate the past and make sure these unique spots don't get lost.
Why are these places important?
These historic places tell us stories about how people lived, worked, and built things a long time ago. They show us different styles of buildings, how towns grew, and what was important to communities in the past. By keeping them safe, we can learn from history and understand where we come from.
Exploring Calcasieu Parish's Historic Treasures
Calcasieu Parish is home to many fascinating historic sites. From old schools to grand courthouses and unique churches, each place has its own story.
Notable Historic Buildings
Let's look at some of the cool places on the list:
Calcasieu Marine Bank
The Calcasieu Marine Bank building, located at 840 Ryan Street in Lake Charles, was added to the list in 1991. It's a great example of the kind of grand buildings that were built when Lake Charles was growing. Imagine what it was like to go to the bank here many years ago!
Calcasieu Parish Courthouse
The Calcasieu Parish Courthouse, found on Ryan Street at Kirby Street in Lake Charles, became a historic site in 1989. Courthouses are very important buildings where laws are made and justice is served. This building has seen a lot of history unfold within its walls.
Cash Grocery and Sales Company Warehouse
At 801 Enterprise Boulevard in Lake Charles, you'll find the Cash Grocery and Sales Company Warehouse. It was listed in 2010. This building reminds us of how businesses operated in the past, storing and selling goods for the community.
Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception
The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, at 935 Bilbo Street in Lake Charles, joined the list in 1994. Cathedrals are often some of the most beautiful and important buildings in a city, known for their amazing architecture and long history as places of worship.
Charleston Hotel
The Charleston Hotel, located at Ryan and Pujo Streets in Lake Charles, was listed in 1982. This building is special because it shows off a style called Mission Revival architecture. It was also the very first skyscraper in Lake Charles! Imagine how tall it must have seemed when it was first built.
Deweyville Swing Bridge
Connecting Louisiana and Texas across the Sabine River, the Deweyville Swing Bridge is a unique historic structure. It was added to the list in 2011. A "swing bridge" can actually pivot or swing open to let boats pass through, which is pretty cool!
Kansas City Southern Depot
The Kansas City Southern Depot, on Lake Charles Avenue in DeQuincy, became a historic place in 1983. This old train station is one of only three remaining urban train depots in all of Louisiana. It tells the story of how people used to travel and how important trains were for connecting towns.
Muller's Department Store
Muller's Department Store, at 700 Ryan Street in Lake Charles, was added to the list in 2007. Department stores were once huge shopping destinations where you could find almost anything. This building represents a big part of the city's shopping history.
Noble Building
The Noble Building, located at 324 Pujo Street in Lake Charles, joined the National Register in 2014. This building is another example of the important commercial and office spaces that shaped the city.
Old Lake Charles City Hall
The Old Lake Charles City Hall, found on Ryan Street at Kirby Street, was listed in 1989. City halls are where local government happens, and this building served as the center of Lake Charles's city operations for many years.
Waters Pierce Oil Company Stable Building
At 1019 Lakeshore Drive in Lake Charles, you'll find the Waters Pierce Oil Company Stable Building, listed in 1980. This building gives us a glimpse into the early days of the oil industry and how companies operated, even using stables for horses back then!
Other Historic Listings
Besides these highlighted places, many other important sites are on the National Register in Calcasieu Parish:
- 1937 Iowa High School (Iowa) - A school building from 1937, showing us how education spaces looked in the past.
- All Saints Episcopal Church (DeQuincy) - Another historic church, important to the community's spiritual life.
- Church of the Good Shepherd (Lake Charles) - An Episcopal church with historical significance.
- Jackson House (DeQuincy) - A historic house that tells us about residential life in the area.
- Lake Charles Historic District (Lake Charles) - This isn't just one building, but a whole area with many historic homes and buildings, showing how the city developed.
- Lyons House (Vinton) - Another historic home, giving us a peek into past living styles.
- McNeese State University Auditorium (Lake Charles) - An important building on the university campus, likely used for events and performances.
Former Listings
Sometimes, a building might be removed from the National Register. This can happen if it's no longer standing or if it loses its historic importance.
Arcade Theater
The Arcade Theater in Lake Charles was once on the list, added in 1978. However, it was removed in 2016 because it was unfortunately demolished after a fire. It's a reminder that even historic places can face challenges.
Images for kids
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The historic Calcasieu Marine Bank building in Lake Charles.
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The impressive Calcasieu Parish Courthouse.
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The Cash Grocery and Sales Company Warehouse.
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The beautiful Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.
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The Charleston Hotel, an early skyscraper in Lake Charles.
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The Deweyville Swing Bridge connecting Louisiana and Texas.
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The historic Kansas City Southern Depot in DeQuincy.
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Muller's Department Store, now Muller's Lofts.
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The historic Noble Building in Lake Charles.
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The Old Lake Charles City Hall.
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The Waters Pierce Oil Company Stable Building.
