Lake Charles' Public Square

As we headed toward the public square in Lake Charles, LA, it was this stately live oak that caught our attention. The buildings around the square with all their history could not compete for the starring feature of the square.

The oak’s branches needed support to continue its regal presence in the center of town, but these supports did not diminish its stature.

The Great Fire of 1910 leveled most of downtown and destroyed the Courthouse, the City Hall, and the Catholic Church and hundreds of businesses and homes. The three important buildings in the square today were constructed immediately following the Great Fire in an optimistic surge of recovery.

The Historic Calcasieu Courthouse, c. 1912

The green copper-domed Courthouse has been a feature of downtown Lake Charles for over 100 years. The massive classic palladian lines of the structure were meant to impress.

From the steps of the Courthouse, we could look over the square.

The building directly across the street is the City Hall and the tower to the left is part of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.

The Lake Charles City Hall, c. 1911

The red-tiled Italianate City Hall is in contrast to the buff and marble Courthouse.

The open belfry tower features working clocks.

The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, c. 1913

Built using a dramatic red brick, the Romanesque Revival Cathedral, like the other two historic buildings in the square, was designed by Favrot and Livadais. The five-story bell tower houses a one-ton working bell named “Mary.”

From the parking lot, we could see these three features of the Square's landmarks.

(Information taken from the Guide to Historic Calcasieu Parish.)