CHPS Mission
The mission of the Calcasieu Historical Preservation Society (CHPS) is to encourage the preservation of historical buildings, objects, and places relating to the history of Louisiana and Calcasieu Parish, including its natural beauty and all that is distinctive to our state.
One of the primary ways that CHPS accomplishes this mission is to recognize those who have contributed toward the preservation of buildings, objects and places. This is done by presenting awards to deserving property owners via the Calca Commendation and the Landmark Awards.
Membership
Pick from one
of these six membership categories:
Individual $10.00
Family $20.00
Sustaining $35.00
Patron $50.00
Corporate $100.00
Major Donor $250+
Join using our on-line membership form.
Charpentier
Margaret Place
Area History
Longtime preservationist and former President of CHPS, Adley Cormier, has graciously permitted us to publish a copy of his Timeline History of Southwest Louisiana.
Welcome to the 1923 Kansas City Southern Railroad Depot & The Dequincy Railroad Museum
WELCOME TO THE 1923 KANSAS CITY SOUTHERN
RAILROAD DEPOT
&
THE DEQUINCY RAILROAD MUSEUM
The Kansas City Southern Railroad Depot, built in 1923, is our city's most prominent and recognizable historic building and is located in the DeQuincy Historic District. Its architectural style is Mission Revival and the depot is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. There are two passenger waiting rooms, a central agent/ticket office, a baggage room, and an open veranda on the bottom floor. The upstairs rooms were originally used as offices for dispatchers and railroad company officials.
The DeQuincy Railroad Museum was founded in 1974 and occupies the entire building. The museum's mission is to acquire, preserve, and display railroad artifacts of a bygone era and to present a visual history of the role of the railroad industry in DeQuincy's founding as well as its role in the development of the region and state. Of the thousands of railroad artifacts displayed in the museum, most have been donated by area residents, the railroad industry, and visitors. Throughout the year, our larger waiting room is used by local nonprofit organizations for meetings and events and is also available for rent for private functions. On the museum grounds you will find a 1913 steam locomotive, two vintage cabooses, and a 1945 Pullman passenger coach. An outdoor stage, a covered picnic area, playground equipment, and restrooms are conveniently located here. The museum grounds come alive with activity during the Louisiana Railroad Days Festival which is held during the second weekend of April each year.
We are a nonprofit group and do not charge admission; therefore, we are totally dependent upon our gift shop, rental fees, and visitor contributions to operate the museum. Without the support of our mayor and city council, and our visitors, we could not continue to operate.
WE GREATLY APPRECIATE DONATIONS FROM OUR VISITORS! Models of little red cabooses are conveniently placed in each of the waiting rooms to accept contributions.
MUSEUM HOURS ARE 9:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M. TUESDAY THROUGH SATURDAY
DEQUINCY RAILROAD MUSEUM
400 LAKE CHARLES AVENUE
DEQUINCY, LOUISIANA 70633
337-786-2823