Going Deeper on Lake Charles
The first European settlers to the Lake Charles region, Martin and Dela Marion LeBleu, arrived from Bordeaux, France, around 1775, settling in an area known today as the LeBleu Settlement. They lived in harmony with the local Native American tribes, setting a precedent for the diverse and inclusive community Lake Charles would become. In the early 1800s, the area saw an influx of more settlers, including Charles Sallier, a man of Spanish descent, who married Catherine LeBleu. Sallier’s homestead by the lake led to it being known as “Charlie’s Lake,” and eventually, the area was referred to as “Charleston” or “Charles Town.”
As the 19th century progressed, Lake Charles emerged as a hub of the lumber industry, shaped significantly by individuals like Jacob Ryan and Captain Daniel Goos. Ryan, focusing on lumber, moved the parish seat to Lake Charles, fueling its growth. Goos, a multifaceted entrepreneur, established a lumber mill and promoted trade with Texas and Mexican ports, further solidifying the city’s economic foundation. The lumber industry’s boom led to an influx of various settlers, including northeastern Americans and Europeans, creating a unique cultural melting pot. Lake Charles maintained a mixed stance towards the conflict despite the Civil War, with business interests often superseding political alignments. The lumber trade with Galveston and beyond flourished post-war, transforming Lake Charles into a thriving community.
One of the most intriguing chapters in Lake Charles’ history is the establishment of Gerstner Field during World War I. Located southeast of the city, Gerstner Field was Louisiana’s first military airfield, operational from 1917 to 1921. Its existence is a testament to the relentless efforts of the Lake Charles Chamber of Commerce and local leaders who recognized the strategic importance of aviation. The field trained hundreds of fighter pilots and aviation instructors, leaving an indelible mark on the region’s aviation history. While the physical structures of Gerstner Field have long disappeared, its legacy endures in Lake Charles’ ongoing interest in aviation.
