Vital resources and historic sites are preserved and celebrated in Natchitoches, Louisiana
NATCHITOCHES, LOUISIANA–JULY 2022–As the oldest city in the state, Natchitoches, Louisiana, is proud of its rich history. It’s location in north central Louisiana, along the banks of the Cane River Lake and at a critical crossroad since the days of the Louisiana Purchase and westward expansion, has made it an important stop for travelers since it was established in 1714. Today, it is more popular than ever with regional travelers who come to explore. Getting here is easy, as Interstate 49 connects with I-20, to the north in Shreveport, and with I-10, in Lafayette, to the south. Natchez, Mississippi, to the east and Lufkin, Texas, to the west, are both less than a three hour’s drive.
Here, visitors enjoy a variety of attractions, activities and traditions to fill any vacation. Many of these experiences involve resources that have been painstakingly preserved, making Natchitoches’ past a vital part of its present. In fact, this fascinating Louisiana city has a surprising number of natural and historic resources that bring its history and heritage to life. It was among the 2022 USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice honorees as Best Historic Small Towns.
“For a community our size, we have an amazing number of preserved historic buildings and resources,” said Arlene Gould, executive director of Natchitoches Convention and Visitors Bureau. “We have historic landmarks, national parks and more. Our history, as the oldest city in the Louisiana Territory, has provided us with a wealth of stories from various eras. The work of many dedicated people and organizations to preserve, restore and interpret what we have makes our history a vibrant part of what people love about Natchitoches today.”
Unique regional recognition
The city is within the Cane River National Heritage Area, a region designated by congress in 1994 for its “historic landscapes, Creole architecture and multi-cultural legacy.” This unique combination warrants the designation, one of only two in Louisiana. The designation prompted the formation of a non-profit that works closely with communities, cultural organizations and other experts to document the stories and traditions of the region, to help people understand and celebrate its nationally important heritage.
A gem of the area is the Cane River Creole National Historical Park (4386 Highway 494, Natchitoches, Louisiana 71456; 318-352-0383, ext. 316). This national treasure is comprised of Oakland Plantation and the outbuildings at Magnolia Plantation, housing the oldest wood screw cotton press in its original location in the United States. Oakland is considered the most complete Creole plantation in the country. Its buildings, equipment and personal items are on display and reveal much about the lives of early planters and enslaved workers.
Melrose Plantation (3533 Highway 119, Melrose, Louisiana 71452; 318-379-0055) is rich with stories of relationships, artists and changing times. The plantation, a National Historic Landmark, is home to nine historic buildings and a collection of work by world famous African American folk artist Clementine Hunter.
While historic in nature, these sites are far from static. Melrose is managed by a dedicated local group, the Association for the Preservation of Historic Natchitoches, which organizes guided tours and annual events to add ways for visitors to engage.
Cane River Creole National Historic Park is owned and operated by the National Park Service. The service maintains a warehouse of inventory, from farm equipment to personal items, recovered from the plantations. With this collection, they keep the displays and interpretation fresh and timely. In addition, the park service is currently renovating a downtown train depot to become its local office and visitor center, complete with interpretive exhibits. The depot is expected to be open by early 2023. Also in the works, the National Heritage Area is planning for the development of a Discovery Center, which will add even more to the visitor experience and understanding of this unique region.
Distinct downtown
These new attractions will become part of Natchitoches’ picturesque waterfront downtown, a designated National Historic Landmark District. It features brick streets and comprises 33 blocks lined with unique local restaurants, retail and antique shops, bookstores, art galleries, historic homes and more. Taking the walking tour of downtown is the perfect way to start a visit. A favorite stop for many is Kaffie-Frederick General Mercantile (758 Front Street, Natchitoches, Louisiana 71457; 318-352-2525), the oldest general store in Louisiana. It opened in 1863 and today, exploring the aisles of hardware, housewares, gifts and more is quite a memorable experience.
Another gem on the waterfront is the historic Roque House and Gardens (760 Front Street, Natchitoches, Louisiana 71457). This example the Creole-style of French architecture was constructed by a freedman of color in 1803 using hand-hewn cypress and a bousillage fill. After its final occupant, Madame Aubert Roque, died in 1941 the house was moved from its original location down river to its current spot. The house is currently being repositioned and restored and is expected to re-open for visitation in early 2023.
Nearby Natchitoches’ settlement stories are brought to life at Fort St. Jean Baptiste (155 Rue Jefferson, Natchitoches, Louisiana 71457; 318-357-3101), a state historic site. The grounds include a museum and replica of the original fort, built by the French in 1714. Eighteenth century life in the fort is depicted by historians and period-dressed interpreters.
“This is a one-of-a-kind destination for those who love to explore the past,” Gould said. “Whether exploring the grounds of a Creole plantation, walking our brick-paved streets or spending the night in a historic bed and breakfast, there are so many ways to experience Natchitoches’ storied history.”
If you go
In addition to historic sites, there is even more for those who want to explore. Natchitoches’ diverse landscape, history and tradition are celebrated at these area locations:
Another nationally recognized (and preserved) area asset is the Kisatchie National Forest. This is Louisiana’s only national forest and includes more than 604,000 acres of preserved land. The variety of recreational opportunities is as vast as the landscape. There are areas for enjoying hiking, biking, horseback riding, camping, fishing, boating, off-roading and seasonal hunting.
More about the area’s history and culture can be found in the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum (800 Front Street, Natchitoches, Louisiana 71457; 318-357-2492). While the facility’s collection of portraits and memorabilia celebrate the achievements of legendary Louisiana athletes and sports figures, the museum also explores the evolution of unique cultural traditions of the state, from early native-American civilizations to the present.