Natchitoches, LA Summary

The oldest permanent European settlement in the territory has been called “the New Orleans to the North.” Explorers first came to the area as early as 1700 and 15 years later, the French constructed Fort Saint Jean Baptiste (now on Jefferson and Mill Streets), where they traded with the Natchitoches Native Americans.

After the Louisiana Purchase of 1803, the Americans soon inhabited the settlement, turning Natchitoches into a vibrant trade center for the shipment of livestock, tobacco, and indigo to New Orleans.

When the Red River began to change its course, the river trade dried up with it. The remaining body of water, now called the Cane River Lake, separates the city’s massive historic and commercial center along Front Street from the residences on the eastern bank.

Natchitoches has a population of approximately 16,600 residents.

The wonderful architecture of Front Street rivals that of New Orleans’ French Quarter. The townhouses, including Lucky Store, which was built in 1843, feature magnificent cast-iron lace and motifs. Other townhouses feature stately carriage houses at the rear of the buildings and have delightful views of the lake at the front. A walking tour is the best way to enjoy the area, starting at Front Street, within the boundaries of Rue Lafayette and Rue Touline.

Some of the stately buildings include the Natchitoches Parish Old Courthouse, which recently opened as a regional museum, and the Museum of Historic Natchitoches, which features an assortment of Civil War and French colonial artifacts. The downtown trolley links all of the major attractions within the historic district including the American Cemetery, where many of the city’s pioneers are laid to rest.

The St Denis Walk of Honor was designed to commemorate Natchitoches’ most famous guests.

In 1988, the town was the setting for the movie \”Steel Magnolias,\” starring Julia Roberts, Sally Field, and Dolly Parton.

Although Natchitoches has become more prosperous (largely due to tourism), it has retained its old-world character. The city is surrounded by former plantations; many of them are along the Cane River Lake. These plantations are among the finest estates in the South and are fine examples of Creole architecture.

Natchitoches has a number of churches, bookshops, arts and crafts stores, and restaurants, and is home to the liberal arts college of Northwestern State University.

And to keep visitors on their toes, the Bayou Pierre Gator Park is located at the city’s fringe.

There are airports 60 miles on either side of Natchitoches in Shreveport and Alexandria. There is also bus service along I-49, but the city itself has no public transportation.