Natchitoches Historic District

Natchitoches Historic District, also known as Natchitoches National Historic Landmark District, is a historic district encompassing the heart of Natchitoches, Louisiana, the oldest permanent European settlement in what is now Louisiana, and the oldest permanent European settlement in the wider geographic area involved in the Louisiana Purchase. It was founded by the French in 1714. "Natchitoches" is pronounced /'nækətəʃ/ (NAK-ə-təsh); the name was for the indigenous people of the area. It was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1984.[2][3]

Natchitoches Historic District
Church of the Immaculate Conception
LocationNatchitoches, Louisiana
Coordinates31.754330°N 93.092108°W / 31.754330; -93.092108
Area280 acres (110 ha)
Architectural styleLate Victorian, Colonial, Bungalow/craftsman, Queen Anne
NRHP reference No.74000928 (original)
80001740 (increase)
Significant dates
Added to NRHPJune 5, 1974[1]
Boundary increaseNovember 25, 1980[1]
Designated NHLDApril 16, 1984[2]

Description and history

The city of Natchitoches, when founded, was located on the banks at the head of navigation of the Red River in northern Louisiana, roughly midway between Alexandria and Shreveport. It was founded in 1714 by French explorers, who were seeking to firmly establish French claims to the territory against those of New Spain. As such, it eventually developed into a significant trading center, with goods flowing among the French, Spanish, and area Native American tribes. The city's oldest streets are laid out parallel to the river, and the long-distance road network was expanded after French Louisiana was ceded to Spain in 1763. The city remained an important regional trading center until the second quarter of the 19th century, when the Red River's course shifted eastward, leaving the downtown flanking the old channel, now known as the Cane River. This put an end to major development in the city, and helped preserve much of its 18th-century character.[3]

The historic district extends along both sides of the old river channel, but only includes properties on Williams Street on the east side. It extends for several blocks (as far as Fourth Street) on the west side, between the Keyser Street bridge in the south and Texas Street in the north. It has more than 200 historic structures, including a significant concentration of 18th and early 19th-century buildings built using the French colonial construction technique of bousillage.[3]

Instrumental in the establishment of the district was the historical preservationist Robert DeBlieux, who served as mayor of Natchitoches from 1976-1980.

Contributing properties

See also

References
  1. "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. January 23, 2007.
  2. "Natchitoches Historic District". National Historic Landmark summary listing. National Park Service. Archived from the original on 2009-01-14. Retrieved 2008-01-30.
  3. Robert B. DeBlieux and the Louisiana State Historic Preservation Office (August 10, 1978). "National Register of Historic Places Inventory-Nomination: Natchitoches Historic District" (pdf). National Park Service. Cite journal requires |journal= (help) and Accompanying 26 photos, exterior and interior, from 1973, 1979, and undated. (9.29 MB)
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