Lake Charles is in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana. It is actually the parish seat and largest city of Calcasieu Parish. The parish covers an area in the southwestern part of Louisiana, and Lake Charles serves as a major center for industry, culture, and education within the parish. The name "Calcasieu" comes from an Atakapan word meaning "crying eagle" and the parish was established in 1840. Lake Charles has been the parish seat since 1852 when it was moved from Marion.