Historical Markers in
Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana

Badin-Roque House Basilica of the Immaculate Conception Bayou Amulet Bayou Folk Museum Colonial Gateway Corral Dr. John Sibley Ducournau Building El Camino Real El Camino Real El Camino Real de los Tejas El Camino Real de los Tejas First Mass in Natchitoches Fort Saint Jean Baptiste Fort St. Jean Baptiste Francois Rouquier Homesite Ft. St. Jean Baptiste Grave of Unknown Confederate Soldier Great Red River Flood of 1945 Henri de Tonti Los Adaes Los Adais Louis Juchereau de St. Denis Marie Theresa de la Grande Terre Natchitoches and the Early American Period Natchitoches Historic District Natchitoches Indians Northwestern State University Old Plauche Place / Ducournau Plantation Preservation In Natchitoches Robert Buford "Bobby" Deblieux Roque House Saint Denis Tomb Site of Camp Salubrity Site of Fort Claiborne Site of Fort Selden The American Cemetery The American Cemetery The American Transition The Historic Cane River The Jefferson Highway The Legacy of Catholicism The Louisiana Purchase/El Camino Real De Los Tejas The Natchitoches Parish Old Courthouse The Old Natchitoches Parish Courthouse The Presidio Nuestra Senora del Pilar de los Adais The Red River Campaign U.S. Military Road #11 William Hodge Barnhill Yucca Plantation
Louisiana was a slave state before the American Civil War, and the state played a significant role in the Civil War. The Battle of Port Hudson, which took place in Louisiana in 1863, was the longest siege in American history.
Louisiana random facts
Natchitoches Parish, located in the state of Louisiana, has a rich and diverse history that stretches back centuries. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Caddo and Natchitoches tribes, who left traces of their presence through archaeological remains. In 1714, the French established Fort St. Jean Baptiste, marking the founding of Natchitoches as the oldest permanent settlement in the Louisiana Purchase territory.

During the colonial era, Natchitoches thrived as a trading center, attracting traders, trappers, and frontier explorers. The city played a vital role in the fur trade, with French, Spanish, and American traders passing through its bustling river port. The French influence in Natchitoches is still evident in its unique architecture, cuisine, and cultural traditions.

The early 19th century saw Natchitoches Parish undergo significant changes with the arrival of American settlers. The area became an important agricultural region, with plantation agriculture dominating the local economy. Slavery was widespread, and the legacy of this dark chapter in Natchitoches' history can still be seen in the numerous preserved antebellum plantations dotting the parish.

In the modern era, Natchitoches has evolved into a vibrant community that celebrates its diverse heritage. The city is famous for its annual Christmas Festival, which attracts visitors from around the country. Natchitoches Parish also boasts a thriving film industry, with movies like "Steel Magnolias" and "The Ladykillers" being filmed in the area. Today, Natchitoches strives to preserve its historic charm while embracing economic development and promoting tourism.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana.

  • Natchitoches Parish was established by the Spanish in 1807.
  • In 1812, the parish became part of the newly formed state of Louisiana.
  • During the American Civil War, the parish saw significant military activity as it was located along important waterways.
  • In 1978, the Cane River Creole National Historical Park was established, preserving the unique cultural heritage of the area.
  • In 2018, Natchitoches Parish celebrated its bicentennial, marking 200 years since its establishment.