Natchitoches History & Heritage: Louisiana's Timeless Treasures (2024)
One facet of Louisiana that makes it such an appealing visitor destination is its deep and colorful history. European explorers found their way to the region and inhabited the area very early relative to settlement of much of the rest of the continent. As a result, some communities in Louisiana are among the oldest in the United States. Before those explorers arrived, of course, people we now know as Native Americans populated the region. Reaching still farther back in time, ancient peoples left their mark on the area thousands of years ago. The state of Louisiana offers many ways to explore the region’s rich history, in hundreds of museums, historic structures, landmarks, artifacts and works of art. The careful preservation and restoration of these sites and artifacts has created many rare opportunities for visitors to experience Louisiana’s history and gain insights into the diverse cultures that continue to influence the state today.
The City of Natchitoches is the heart of Natchitoches Parish. Founded in 1714 the site was established near a village of Natchitoches Indians. As the oldest permanent settlement in the Louisiana Purchase territory, its history is also a story of the development of our nation.
The City’s Historic Landmark District, which fronts Cane River Lake and encompasses a 33-block area, includes many historic homes, churches and commercial structures. A mixture of Queen Anne and Victorian architecture, along with Creole style cottages can be seen throughout the district.
People settled in the Natchitoches area in large numbers after the Louisiana Purchase. Eventually, however, the river changed its course, bypassing Natchitoches. What was once known as the Red River is now Cane River Lake.
Nationally recognized as a Preserve America Community, a Distinctive Destination and a Great American Main Street, Natchitoches is a genuine heritage destination.
Natchitoches was founded as a French outpost on the Red River for trade with Spanish-controlled Mexico; French traders settled there as early as 1699. The post was established near a village of Natchitoches Indians, after whom the city was named.
Natchitoches, pronounced "nackatish," is also the name of the parish seat. The word Natchitoches is an Indian word meaning 'place of the Paw-paw or Chinquapin' (referring to the local flora). Natchitoches is the oldest permanent settlement of Europeans and Africans in the Louisiana Purchase Territory.
Natchitoches, (Nack-a-tish) the original French colony in Louisiana, is the oldest settlement in the Louisiana Purchase. Established in 1714, Natchitoches, retains its European flavor through its architecture, heritage and lifestyle.
The City of Natchitoches is the heart of Natchitoches Parish. Founded in 1714 the site was established near a village of Natchitoches Indians. As the oldest permanent settlement in the Louisiana Purchase territory, its history is also a story of the development of our nation.
The Natchitoches tribe settled around the Cane River. In 1700 they were joined by remnants of the Kadohadocho, who had suffered severe losses from wars with the Chickasaw. The Ouachita tribe settled near the Ouachita River and the Black River. They are known for their practice of burying horses.
NATCHITOCHES, La. (KTAL/KMSS) — Last Friday morning, human skeletal remains were discovered near Marthaville in a private pond. Natchitoches Parish Coroner Steven Clanton said the skeletal remains have been “presumptively identified through evidence gathered at the scene as that of Steven W.Burkett.”
Natchitoches Parish is one of the oldest cities in Louisiana, and history teems from every corner. From the National Historic District to the must-taste meat pies, you'll love to stop and take in the beauty of Natchitoches.
Natchitoches (NACK-a-tish) has been called the “City of Lights” since 1927, when the city's chief electrician decided that stringing Christmas lights along Front Street would be a nice gift to the town's residents.
Mardi Gras is just one of many reasons Louisiana has gained a reputation for being the nation's most festive state. Mardi Gras isn't just based in New Orleans and it isn't just a day (also known as Fat Tuesday) — it's also a season, running from Twelfth Night (also known as Epiphany) to Ash Wednesday.
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