The month of October and Halloween folks become more interested in ghosts, haunted houses and cemeteries. Lake Charles, LA is full of history and colorful stories of Pirates along the Bayous and Lakes, as well as our founding fathers. At the end of the Lake Charles Boardwalk and Veterans Park, you will find Bilbo Cemetery. I am not aware of any paranormal activity in Bilbo Cemetery nor did I spot any ghosts–what I did discover was a beautiful statue and some history to share!
Through the gates of Bilbo Cemetary you will find John Jacob Ryan one of the Founding Lake Charles Residents at rest.
John Jacob Ryan is one of the Lake Charles founding fathers. Mr. Ryan was a lucrative planter, mill owner, merchant, and contractor. He first entered the sawmill business by leasing a mill erected near a bluff on the Calcasieu river and shortly afterwards built his own mill on the lake bank where warehouses and rice mills were later erected. Fire swept away his fortunes three different times.
Mr. Ryan was also elected to the legislature and served in the term of 1866-67.
Mr. Ryan’s life, is most well known for his connection to Lake Charles which he helped to build.
Jacob Ryan and Samuel Kirby donated the land on Ryan Street where the Calcasieu Parish Courthouse was built.
The Bilbo Cemetery is located adjacent to Veterans Memorial Park in Lake Charles. One of the beautiful sights inside Bilbo Cemetery is this lovely statue of Jesus.
