Natchitoches

Natchitoches is a town in Natchitoches Parish in central Louisiana. The streets run parallel to Cane River Lake, where two-story buildings with covered walkways define the center.

The town was founded in 1714 by French colonists as a trading post on the Red River. Later, the river shifted course and created the present lake, while the homes from before the Civil War remained.

Each December, light displays along the riverbank and in courtyards transform the town for several weeks. Local families keep recipes for meat pies and other dishes passed down from early French settlers.

A walk along Front Street passes most of the old buildings and shops. The university campus to the north sits about 1.2 miles (2 km) from the center and is reachable by foot or car.

The old cemetery at the edge of town contains graves from the 18th century with French and Spanish inscriptions. Many homes in the center still have original wooden shutters and hand-forged ironwork from colonial times.

Location: Natchitoches Parish

Inception: 1714

Elevation above the sea: 36 m

Shares border with: Grand Ecore, Hagewood, Oak Grove

Website: https://natchitochesla.gov

GPS coordinates: 31.74310,-93.09500

Latest update: December 12, 2025 22:26