Shell Beach Drive Articles
Walnut Grove in 1906
The route for the Old Spanish Trail took a 90-degree left turn onto Front Street (now Lakeshore Drive), crossed the Pithon Coulee Bridge into Margaret Place (then just being developed) and skirted the lake to what was called “the Shell Beach at Walnut Grove,” where the Port of Lake Charles City Docks are now located.
Shell "Road"
An extensive oyster shell midden or mound was located near to where the Lake connected to the lower part of the Calcasieu River at the foot of Shell Beach Drive. This midden not only gave the road and area its name, but was also reportedly the location for several Indian skeletons, pottery and arrowheads. Part of the midden was used to build a shell road eastward to the settlement at Lake Charles.
View along the River
The Old Spanish Trail route was heavily used until mid-century Highway 90 improvements and relocation, and the Old Bridge itself was partly demolished sometime after the “new, crossed-pistol bridge” was opened in 1951. (You can still see some of the western shore arches at the end of Shell Beach Road.)
For nearly a half century, this roadway was the primary routing for commerce and transportation cross-continent along the Gulf coast and southern United States. That busy highway is now near forgotten, but the rare beauty of Shell Beach Drive remains.
First bridge over the Calcasieu River
This is one of two postcards showcasing what was then the "new" bridge over the Calcasieu River between Shell Beach Drive and Westlake.
The Old Spanish Trail route was heavily used until mid-century Highway 90 improvements and relocation, and the Old Bridge itself was partly demolished sometime after the “new, crossed-pistol bridge” was opened in 1951. (You can still see some of the western shore arches at the end of Shell Beach Road.)
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