The American began monthly publications in New York City in 1885 and was moved by J. B. Watkins to Lake Charles, Louisiana, in September 1887. Watkins used the American to publicize his immigration and development ventures in southwest Louisiana. The paper featured many descriptive and promotional articles on the new homesteading paradise emerging in the area. Frequently, the publication was distributed free of charge to interested persons and potential patrons all over the country.

In 1897, the American began daily publication under the management of J. H. Neal, a nephew of J. B. Watkins who maintained control of the Lake Charles Daily American until 1898 when it was sold.

The records of the American Publishing Company were most likely stored in the Lake Charles office and have been lost. This series contains random pieces of correspondence, papers, bills, and receipts dating from 1887 to 1898. Also included are all known issues of the American that are available on microfilm. These issues cover the period from February 1889 to December 1890 and the year 1896.