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History of Natchitoches, Louisiana

Natchitoches was established in 1714 by Louis Juchereau de St. Denis. It is the oldest permanent settlement within the borders of the 1803 Louisiana Purchase.

Natchitoches was founded as a French outpost on the Red River for trade with Spanish-controlled Mexico, with the French presence beginning as early as 1699. The settlement's site was established near a village of Natchitoches Indians.

After the Louisiana Purchase, Natchitoches experienced a population boom, and several plantations were built along the river. The river eventually changed its course, bypassing Natchitoches and cutting off its lucrative connection with the Mississippi. What was once known as the Red River is now Cane River Lake, a 33-mile long body of water that runs from the city’s downtown historic district through Plantation Country and the location where rowing crews from across the Midwest (Kansas State University, Wichita State University, Murray State University, Washington University) spend spring break training on the Cane River Lake.

The famous American author Kate Chopin, a short story writer and novelist, managed a plantation in Cloutierville south of Natchitoches in the late 19th Century for a time after the death of her husband.

The 20th Century American naturalist and preservationist Caroline Dormon lived in Natchitoches Parish. She was the driving force behind the establishment of the Kisatchie National Forest.