The state of Louisiana kicks off a year-long celebration of 200 years of statehood

 LAKE CHARLES CELEBRATES WITH A TROLLY CAR!

 The Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau along with the Arts and Humanities Council of Southwest Louisiana, have been busy with plans to commemorate the 200th anniversary of Louisiana statehood.

 Continuing in the My Series of Historical Lake Charles:

Did you know that Lake Charles LA once had a street car subdivision in the 1900's?

From 1894 to 1926, as many as four steel-rail streetcar lines served the City, providing, at one time, 24-hour transit service to residents. Three of the lines operated as a city utility and one line (known as the "Dummy line" along Broad Street) was operated by the Watkins and Missouri Pacific Railroad. The three city lines served the densely developed downtown and ran south from Railroad Avenue on Ryan Street, two lines then going east on Kirby Street and with one line proceeding north on Kirkman to Goosport.

The second line ran east on Kirby then south on Hodges Street to the brickyards on the south east edge of town.

The longest line of the three continued south on Ryan then turned west at Miller Avenue (now 7th St) to run along South Ryan Street ending at the Lake Street edge of what would become Shell Beach road. This is the historic South Ryan Streetcar line that will be recreated.

Members of the general public wanting to ride to experience a rare slice of transportation history are invited to "catch the trolley" and learn the history of the streetcar lines in Lake Charles.

The trolley will provide shuttle service for patrons of the Annual Palm Sunday Historical Tour of Homes   featuring homes in  Margaret Place. The temporary historic recreation of the South Ryan Streetcar is provided as a public service by the City of Lake Charles Transit Authority.

Lake Charles is rich in culture and history.  Lake Charles has been my home for 29 years where I have enjoyed living, working and playing throughout the years.  I  love Lake Charles and enjoy sharing my knowledge of our city with those relocating to Lake Charles or visiting Lake Charles. 

 To learn more about Lake Charles  and Lake Charles Real estate, visit my website.  I am passionate about real estate and enjoy "matching people with properties"

  Other Historical Blogs of Interest:

  Lake Charles Historic Churches

  Historic Places in Lake Charles

  Re-Visiting The Charleston Hotel

  1912  Lake Charles US Post Office/Courthouse

 LA Bicentennial Series: 2012 Annual Palm Sunday Tour of Homes

Louisiana Celebrates Bicentennial Series