Natchitoches National Historic District

The Natchitoches Historic District reflects two stages of the city’s history. The lower section of the district on the west bank of the river encompasses the early French colonial section of town. Though no buildings remain from the time of the founding, many of the modern roads follow the earlier routes of the first roads in Natchitoches, explaining the non-linear layout in this part of the district. The northern area of the district contains the Natchitoches downtown area and represents a later stage of the city’s history. The downtown area was originally settled in the 1780s, during the period the city was under Spanish control. In 1788, a new Catholic church was completed at the corner of Front and Church streets. The city grew around the new church, and the area quickly became the heart of Natchitoches. The downtown area has served as the government and economic center of the city since that time.