The romantic history of Lake Charles began with the first French settlers in the 1760s. The lumber boom was responsible for the rapid growth
of the city in those early years, and allowed for the extensive used of solid pine and cypress constuction of the homes in historic downtown Lake Charles.
There were no true Architects in the area until the early 1900s, so each house reflects the characteristics of each builder or carpenter.
These carpenters got their plans from pattern books, but were very creative in combining elements and details from various styles. This blending of architectural
features has been named "Lake Charles Style Architecture" by Jonathan Fricker, Architectural Historian for the State of Louisiana.
We honor the carpenters of that early age by naming our Historic District "Charpentier" (char peh ti ay), which is French for carpenter.
The District was admitted to the National Historic Register in 1990.