page_title: Natchitoches, Louisiana
section_title: Economy
hierarchical_section_title: Natchitoches, Louisiana / Economy
caption_attribution_description: English: City Bank and Trust Co. of Natchitoches, Louisiana.
context_page_description: Natchitoches is a small city and the parish seat of Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana, United States. Established in 1714 by Louis Juchereau de St. Denis as part of French Louisiana, the community was named after the indigenous Natchitoches people.
  The City of Natchitoches was not incorporated until after Louisiana had become a state, on February 5, 1819. It is the oldest permanent settlement in the region. Natchitoches' sister city is Nacogdoches, Texas. It is also the location of Northwestern State University.
context_section_description: 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 percent 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 percent.
  The Port of Natchitoches—a river port on the Red River—is located off the eastbound part of U.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 Airport serves 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 advanced non-towered airports.
  The Natchitoches National Fish Hatchery is based here. They handle over six species of fish and other wildlife. The parish attracts numerous sports fishermen during the seasons.
  The Natchitoches Christmas Festival is a well-known celebration of the holidays for locals.
  Since completion of Interstate 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 by Kiplinger's Personal Finance Magazine.
caption: City Bank and Trust Company is one of several financial institutions in downtown Natchitoches
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