Calcasieu Parish was carved from St. Landry Parish by an act of the State Legislature on March 24, 1840. The area had been inhabited by families since about 1815. These families formed settlements along the Calcasieu River. When the parish was formed, the boundaries were: " ...all the territory in the parish of St. Landry, within the following boundaries, to-wit:Commencing at the mouth of the River Mermentau, thence up said river to the mouth of the Bayou Nez Pique, thence up said bayou to the mouth of Cedar Creek, thence due north to the dividing line between the parishes of St. Landry and Rapides, thence along said line to the Sabine River, thence down the said river to the mouth, thence along the sea coast to the place of beginning...." Quoted from the legislative act of formation. The parish seat for Calcasieu Parish is Lake Charles, La.

Please take a moment to read W. T. "Bill" Block's history articles by clicking on his name in the Menu above. Bill was a prolific writer with a passion for history, including Southwest Louisiana. He was also a friend who donated his articles for our benefit on the history and genealogy of Southwest Louisiana.


Marsha Bryant, State Coordinator
Roxie Guilbeau - Calcasieu Parish Coordinator

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