Natchitoches, Louisiana

Natchitoches(/ˈnækətəʃ/NAK-ə-təsh;French:Les Natchitoches,[lenakitɔʃ]), officially theCity of Natchitoches, is a small city in, and theparish seatof,Natchitoches Parish,Louisiana, United States.At the 2020 United States Census, the city's population was 18,039. it is the most populous city in Natchitoches Parish. Established in 1714 byLouis Juchereau de St. Denisas part ofFrench Louisiana, the community was named after the indigenousNatchitoches people.
The City of Natchitoches was incorporated on February 5, 1819, after Louisiana had become a state in 1812. It is the oldest permanent settlement in the land acquired by theLouisiana Purchase. Natchitoches is home toNorthwestern State University. Its sister city isNacogdoches, Texas.
Natchitoches was established in 1714 byCanadienexplorerLouis Juchereau de St. Denis. It is the oldest permanent European settlement within the borders of the 1803Louisiana Purchase.Natchitoches was founded as a French outpost on theRed Riverfor trade with Spanish-controlledMexico; French traders settled there as early as 1699. The post was established near a village ofNatchitoches Indians, after whom the city was named. Early settlers were French Catholic immigrants and creoles (originally meaning those ethnic French born in the colony). French creoles acquired lands that were developed in the antebellum years as cotton-producingMagnolia PlantationandOakland Plantation. Each has been preserved and is designated as aNational Historic Landmark.
After the United States'Louisiana Purchaseof 1803, migration into the territory increased from the US. Natchitoches grew along with the population in the parish. Initially, the Americans were primarily of English and Scots-Irish ancestry and of Protestant faith. They developed several cottonplantationsalong the Red River. Numerous enslaved African Americans were brought to the area through the domestic slave trade to work the cotton, and provide all other skills on these plantations, generating the revenues for the wealthy planters before the Civil War.
The United States Government established afederal fur trade factoryhere in 1805. It was removed toSulphur Fork, Arkansasin 1818.
In the 1820s and early 1830s, Natchitoches also served as a freight transfer point for cotton shipped from parts of eastTexas. Cotton shippers used a land route crossing theSabine Riverto Natchitoches, where the freight was transferred to boats, and floated down the Red River toNew Orleans.
When the course of the Red River shifted, it bypassed Natchitoches and cut off its lucrative connection with the Mississippi River. A 33-mile (53 km)oxbow lakewas left in the river's previous location which became known asCane River Lake.
During theCivil War, Natchitoches was set on fire by Union soldiers who retreated through the town after their failed attempt to captureShreveport.Confederate cavalrypursued the fleeing soldiers and arrived in time to help extinguish the flames before the town was destroyed.Alexandriawas destroyed by Union troops in 1864, but both Union and Confederate troops were responsible for severely damaging plantations along the river during the war, including Magnolia and Oakland.
Radford Blunt published theNatchitoches Republican. He was also a candidate for the state legislature. William H. Tunnard edited the paper.
As the parish seat, Natchitoches suffered from the decline in agricultural population through the mid-20th century, and grew at a markedly lower rate after 1960. The mechanization of agriculture had reduced the number of workers needed, and many moved to cities for jobs. By the early 1970s, the town's businesses were declining, along with many area farms, and buildings were boarded up.
In the mid-1970s, MayorBobby DeBlieuxand other preservationists believed that attracting tourists to the area, based on its historic assets of nearly intact plantations and numerous historic buildings, could be a key to attracting visitors, reviving the town, and stimulating new businesses. Over the years, he worked with a variety of landowners and local people to gain support for designating a historic district in the city. He also supported making a national park out of the working area ofMagnolia Plantation, which had many surviving outbuildings from the 19th century, and fromOakland Plantation, both downriver in the parish.
By the end of the 20th century, the mile-long French colonial area of downtown, which lies along Cane Lake, was designated as aNational Historic District. Many buildings were adapted as antique shops, restaurants and souvenir emporiums. To accommodate tourists, the town had 32 bed-and-breakfast inns, the highest in the state.By 2018, that number had increased to 50.
The plantation country surrounds Cane River Lake. The markedly intact downriver Magnolia and Oakland plantations were designated asNational Historic Landmarks, and are part of what has been developed as theCane River Creole National Historical Park,which was authorized in 1994,with the support of US SenatorJ. Bennett Johnston. He was a cousin by marriage of Betty Hertzog, the last of the family to live in the great house at Magnolia.
Tours and interpretive programs at both sites continue to attract visitors, especially as they grapple with telling the difficult history of slavery and its aftermath at the plantations. They also cover the contributions of blacks andCreoles of colorto the community.In April 2022, the city council added Juneteenth as an official city holiday.
Since the late 20th century, Cane River Lake has served as the spring-break training location for numerous universitycrewteams,from universities such as theUniversity of St. Thomas,Kansas State University,University of Kansas,Wichita State University,Murray State University,University of Central Oklahoma, andWashington University in St. Louis, as well asNorthwestern State University. In the spring of 2018, LSU, Alabama, Texas and Georgia were also represented. Tourists interested in sports often visit in this period to watch the sports teams.
Over the years, the city and parish have improved conditions with a riverbank stabilization project and a water pump project to improve water levels in the lake. This directs water from Hampton Lake intoBayouPossiant, which feeds Cane River Lake.
Natchitoches was the site of a gas pipeline explosion on March 4, 1965, that killed 17 people.
In 1973, singer-songwriterJim Crocewas killed whenhis plane crashed as it was leavingNatchitoches Regional Airport.
Natchitoches received numerousNew Orleansevacuees due toHurricane Katrina(2005). Many college students fromNew Orleanswere transferred toNorthwestern State Universityto continue their education.
According to theUnited States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 25.1 square miles (65 km), of which 21.6 square miles (56 km) are land and 3.6 square miles (9.3 km) (14.21%) are covered by water.
A 35-mile-long (56 km) lake was formed from a portion of the Red River when it changed course. It is now known as Cane River Lake. The municipal water supply comes from nearbySibley Lake, a formerly drained wetland dammed in 1962, which also offers fishing and boating.
Soils in this area are a combination of leaf mold and red clays, sand, and sediments. The area is part of the Chestnut Salt Dome.
Though Natchitoches has few multistorey buildings, it has retained much of its historic European-style architecture listed on theNational Register of Historic Placesas theNatchitoches Historic District. The city is a mesh ofwrought iron,stucco, andred brick. The city still has one of the original brick streets (Front Street), which the historical society protects from alterations. The city of Natchitoches recently completed a restoration project to repair the century-old brick street. During this process, workers removed each brick one by one, numbered it, cleaned it, and then replaced it after utilities, drainage, and the foundation were repaired beneath.
Natchitoches lies in a boundary region that separates the plains ofTexasfrom the consistently humidGulf Coast. Summers are hot and humid. Winters in Natchitoches are relatively mild, with measurable snowfall once every 5–10 years. Natchitoches averages 54.93 inches (1,395 mm) of rain per year. The city is in an area that frequently experiences severe thunderstorms, hail, damaging winds, and tornadoes.
As of the2020 United States Census, there were 18,039 people, 6,222 households, and 2,773 families residing in the city.
As of the 2010 census,18,323 people, 6,705 households, and 3,631 families were residing in the city. The population density was 828.5 inhabitants per square mile (319.9/km). The 7,906 housing units averaged 312.2 units per square mile (120.5 units/km). Theracial makeupof the city was 59.0% African American, 36.4% White, 0.5% Native American, 0.6% Asian, 0.42% from other races, and 1.5% from two or more races. Hispanics or Latinos of any race was 1.7% of the population.
Of the 6,113 households, 30.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 34.3% were married couples living together, 21.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 40.6% were not families. About 30.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.50, and the average family size was 3.18.
In the city, the age distribution was 23.6% under the age of 18, 27.2% from 18 to 24, 21.8% from 25 to 44, 16.0% from 45 to 64, and 11.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 24.5 years. For every 100 females, there were 85.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 80.2 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $23,261, and for a family was $30,396. Males had a median income of $28,601 versus $17,859 for females. The per capita income for the city was $12,642. About 26.7% of families and 34.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 45.0% of those under age 18 and 19.2% of those aged 65 or over.
Following continued population decline in the area, in part due to mechanization of agriculture, by the 1970s, Natchitoches had suffered an economic downturn that resulted in a 65% vacancy in the commercial district. Because of efforts to revitalize the city and emphasize its unique historic assets, as described above, vacancy is now about 1%.
The Port of Natchitoches—a river port on theRed River—is located off the eastbound part ofU.S. Route 84, just outside Natchitoches. The port exports lumber from yards onsite, as forestry is a major industry in the area, as well.
Natchitoches Regional Airportserves cities (via FBO) such as Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Dallas, Houston, Little Rock, Monroe, and Shreveport. It is adjacent to Northwestern State University; together, they offer flight training. The airport is under renovation to become one of the country's most advancednon-towered airports.
TheNatchitoches National Fish Hatcheryis based here. They handle over six species of fish and other wildlife. The parish attracts numerous sports fishermen during the seasons.
TheNatchitoches Christmas Festivalis a well-known celebration of the holidays for locals. The festival is held on the river.
Since completion ofInterstate 49, many business have either moved or have been built outside the city's central area. Gas stations and hotels have developed in this area and serve many of the Natchitoches Christmas Festival visitors.
In 1998, Natchitoches was named one of the top six places in the United States to retire byKiplinger's Personal Finance Magazine.
TheCane River National Heritage Areais a 116,000-acre (470 km) area which includes many sites such asOakland Plantation,Melrose Plantation,Badin-Roque House,Magnolia Plantation,Kate Chopin House, Cherokee Plantation, Cane River Heritage Scenic Byway,Fort St. Jean Baptiste State Historic Site,National Historic LandmarkDistrict (Old Courthouse Museum, Bishop Martin Museum, Landmarks in Time Exhibit), andLos Adaes State Historic Site. Because of this richness of culture, the area is one of the destinations on theLouisiana African American Heritage Trailnewly designated by the state.
Natchitoches, a popular tourism area of the state, is equipped to serve visitors with 11 national chain hotels, and 27 bed-and-breakfast inns.
Natchitoches attracts over one million visitors annually. The city is known as a retiree-friendly city. In 2006, Natchitoches was awarded theGreat American Main Street Awardfor the effort the community has put into revitalizing and restoring much of the historic district.
The city's tourism center is the downtown river walk. This includes Front Street, which becomes Jefferson at the Texas Street light. Front Street is the jewel of the city. It overlooks the river walk and is bordered by an assortment of shops and boutiques. The city has identified this area as its historical district. TheHistorical Societymaintains the area through regulations on changes and restorations. Natchitoches has a mini "Walk of Fame" located in the historical district of the city.
While visiting the area, tourists may notice many unusual structures; these are many of the Natchitoches Christmas Festival lights. The city recently built a small convention center located on Second Street, which holds many city events.
TheBayou Pierre Alligator Parkis a major tourist attraction, where tourists may feed the alligators and dine and shop. The park teaches school children to respect nature and to conserve its many habitats. Natchitoches is home to a branch of theKisatchie National Forest, a designation promoted by naturalistCaroline Dormonto preserve regional natural wonders.
Opened December 2005, theNatchitoches Events Centeris in theNatchitoches National Historic Landmark District. Located at 750 Second Street, the facility has a 40,000-square-foot (3,700 m) meeting facility, a 15,000-square-foot (1,400 m) exhibit hall with three meeting rooms, a board room, and a full-sized catering kitchen.
A Troop 2-108TH CAV is headquartered behind the local college and the airport. This unit has been deployed twice to Iraq, first as part of the 1-156TH Armor Battalion in 2004–2005, and then as part of the 2-108TH CAV SQDN in 2010. Both times, this company-sized unit deployed with the256th Infantry Brigade.,
TheNatchitoches Meat Pieis one of the official state foods of Louisiana. It is known as a regional delicacy of North Louisiana. (See List of U.S. state foods.)
Natchitoches has long been known for its popularChristmas Festival of Lightswhich is held the first Saturday in December. The lights continue to brighten theCane Riveruntil after New Year's Day. In 2019 the festival celebrated its 93rd year.
The Northwestern Campus is also home to theLouisiana Scholars' College, the state's designated honors college for the study of the liberal arts and sciences. As a part of its effort to become a global campus, NSU is a sister university with many universities in Asia.
Natchitoches Parish is in the service area ofBossier Parish Community College.
Natchitoches Parish School Boardoperates many public schools. They include:
The city is also home to theLouisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts, a public residential honors high school.
St. Mary's High Schoolis in Natchitoches.
Natchitoches is the principal city of the Natchitoches media market for radio.
Natchitoches is part of the Shreveportmedia marketfor television.
Natchitoches Regional Medical Center is a 78-bed facility that includes 45 medical/surgical beds and a 112-bed skilled nursing home.
Rehabilitation treatment is at the PRISM Center for physical, occupational and speech therapy, sports medicine, industrial medicine, wound care and more. NRMC was established in 1956.
City of Natchitoches Utility is a city-owned utility company that includes electric power, street lighting, water distribution, and sewer collection.
Multiple movies have been filmed here, including: