A Free Guide to Leisure and Attractions Courtesy of The ...matchbin-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/public/sites/1127/... · Indians, a Native American group whose tribal name means “Chinquapin-eaters.”

HHI S TI S T O R I CO R I C NN AA TT C H I TC H I T O C H EO C H E SS®®

JJ aa nn uu aa rr yy 22 00 11 22

A Fr e e G u i d e t o L e i s u r e a n d A t t r a c t i o n s C o u r t e s y o f T h e N a t c h i t o c h e s T i m e s S i n c e 1 9 7 0

II ns ide . . .ns ide . . .Looking Back . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 3

Adai Indian Culture . . . . . . . . . . .Page 4

Bicentennial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 5

Meat Pies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 6

University Tour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 7

Maps, Walking Tours, NSU Tour and Cane River Tour . . . . . . . Pages 8-10

Minor Basilica. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 11

Red River . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 12

Banks on Cane River . . . . . . . . .Page 13

Fort St. John Baptiste . . . . . . . . .Page 14

We Have an App for That . . . . . Page 15

Pecans. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 16

For more information on local history and events contact:Natchitoches Parish Tourist Commission

781 Front Street; Natchitoches, LA 71457 (318) 352-8072 or 1-800-259-1714

Web site: www.natchitoches.net

‘Historic Natchitoches’ is a monthly publication of The Natchitoches Times

produced by Lifestyle Editor Rae Anne FirminTo advertise in this publication contact The Natchitoches Times

P.O. Box 448Natchitoches, LA 71458

About the cover:Oak tree on bank of Cane River

by Daniel Marr

Entering downtown his-toric Natchitoches, visitorsfeel transported to anotherera.

Traveling along bumpybrick roads reminiscent ofpre-asphalt travel, younotice ornate ironwork onthe bridges and shops,horse-drawn carriagesaround the historic districtand locals who smile andgreet you with a friendlywave. Welcome toNatchitoches.

Founded in 1714 by LouisJuchereau de St. Denis, thecity of Natchitoches wasoriginally established as aFrench outpost on the RedRiver to facilitate trade withthe Spanish in Mexico.

The fort, which was to bediscovered, was built some-where along the west bankof the Red River near a vil-lage of NatchitochesIndians, a Native Americangroup whose tribal namemeans “Chinquapin-eaters.”

At the time of the estab-lishment of St. Denis’ fort,navigation of the Red Riverwas prohibited by a massivelog jam that was broken upduring a flood in the 1830s.

Thus, the Red Riverchanged its course, leavinga 36-mile-long oxbow lake

called Cane River that runsthrough the downtownNational LandmarkDistrict.

Once a bustling riverportand crossroads,Natchitoches gave rise tovast cotton kingdoms alongthe river. Affluent plantersnot only owned charmingcountry plantations, butkept elegant houses in town.

The Red River’s abandon-ment of Natchitoches isolat-ed the community, preserv-ing its historic buildingsand the deeply-ingrainedtraditions of its residentsalong the Cane River.

Today, residents ofNatchitoches strive to bal-ance progress and industrywith preserving the integri-ty of the city’s colonial his-tory and rich cultural diver-sity.

With its French, Spanish,Native American, Africanand Anglo-Saxon influ-ences, Natchitoches main-tains a colorful palette ofethnic tradition, hospitalityand pride in the past thatresidents share with visi-tors.

The city is consistentlynamed among the top sixretirement locations in theUnited States by Kiplinger’sMagazine.

WWeellccoommee ttoo NNaattcchhiittoocchheess::Enjoy your stay in our historic town

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Page 2 HISTORIC NATCHITOCHES January 2012

January 2012 HISTORIC NATCHITOCHES Page 3

By Rae Anne FirminArchivist Mary Linn

Wernet classifies knowl-edge of the past as a basichuman need. She gives theexample of adopted chil-dren who often desire tolearn about their biologicalfamilies. Wernet remem-bers her sister’s foster childbeing curious about hisbackground. “When wefound out that he was fromMiami, Fla., we had a cele-bration for him. We hadcake and hung MiamiDolphin flags everywhere.”

Wernet’s fascination withthe history began at anearly age and evolved into apassion for research andlearning. “If you want tolearn everyday, this is theplace to work,” she says ofthe NSU Cammie G. HenryResearch Center, located onthe third floor of WatsonLibrary.

During her years asarchivist, she has visitedwith countless Frenchmentracing their roots back toNatchitoches, as well asGermans with ties to theKisatchie region. She isalways amazed whenEuropeans traveling theUnited States sayNatchitoches is the beststop they’ve made.Comments like these pre-vent her from taking thecity for granted.

“The tables have turned,”she says, “We were the onesdriving to Dallas or FortWorth for vacation. Now,those people viewNatchitoches as a getawayspot.”

She credits this shift tothe revitalization of down-town as well as preservationorganizations that attracttourists with something foreveryone, whether it’sresearching family history

at the genealogy library ortaking a stroll throughAPHN’s Tour of Homes.

The research center ishome to hundreds of photosrevealing the developmentof downtown and landmarkevents that helped shape thelife locals enjoy today.

Chapters could be writ-ten on the transformation ofthe Church Street Bridgealone.

Imaging specialist andwebmaster Sonny Carterspeculates that the bridgewas not essential untiltransportation had pro-gressed significantly. Afterall, the river’s main func-tion was for imports andexports.

Carter, born and raised inNatchitoches, recalls thetales his father told of tak-ing the ferry to school eachmorning since it was muchquicker than going all ofthe way around the river.

Another interestingaspect of downtown historyis the condos on the cornerof Church and FrontStreets. For some, the build-ing holds childhood memo-

ries of sneaking into it asan abandoned theatre.

But, before the theatre, itwas a hotel, bearing thenames The Lecomte, TheLecompte and The Wimp.Carter says when they

added that second story,locals called it“Natchitoches’ very ownskyscraper.”

Wernet says one thingthat hasn’t changed aboutdowntown is its’ charm.

“You can see Dallas from faraway and when you enterthe city, it swallows you up.Our downtown is not over-powering. It’s always beeninviting from every angle.”

LLLLooooooookkkkiiiinnnngggg BBBBaaaacccckkkk:::: A journey through the past with NSU archivist

Breazeale Fire Insurance Office

A horse-drawn carriage crosses the Cane River bridge, heading toward town.

Jefferson Street meets Front Street.

Sibley Lake is a munici-pal water supply and recre-ation area owned by theCity of Natchitoches andWater Works DistrictNumber One. Sibley Lakewas originally known asLake Terre Noie in 1875.Later, Lake Terre Noir wasdrained and remained aswampy, wooded area untilit was developed into awater source in the earlysixties.

Sibley Lake presentlysupports an excellent popu-

lation of white crappie,channel catfish and largemouth bass. Recent creelstudies indicate eighty per-cent of the fishermen ofthe lake are fishing forcrappie. During the monthsof February and March,large numbers of 1-2 poundcrappie concentrate in theshoreline areas of this 2,175acre impoundment.

Crappie are usuallycaught on live shiners andjig lures. After the springspawning period, the fish

are usually caught in brushand tree tops placed in thelake by crappie fishermen.During the summer andfall, crappie are found sus-pended in the deeper partsof the lake.

Channel catfish arecaught during the spring inthe shallows on trotlines,yo-yo’s, and rod and reel,using cut bait and worms.Largemouth are caughtduring the spring on artifi-cial baits on the numerouspoints and shallow flats

throughout the lake.The principal diet of

bass in Sibley Lake are thenumerous small shad andsunfish associated with theshallow waters in thespring and deeper waterduring the summer, fall andwinter months.

Catches of hybrid strip-per bass are often reportedduring the spring and sum-mer when the fish are forg-ing on shad and sunfish.Sibley Lake supports amoderate amount of

bluegill and redear sunfish.These sunfish species areusually harvested duringApril and May spawningactivity.

A two dollar ($2.00) recre-ational use license isrequired for personsbetween the ages of 16 and60. No persons shall fish,hunt, swim, boat, water ski,camp, picnic, or otherwisetrespass below the 116 footcontour on Sibley Lakeunless he has purchasedsuch a license.

Sibley Lake: fishing, swimming, skiing and boating

Visitors to KisatchieRanger District can enjoypanoramic views from thesandstone bluffs on theLongleaf Vista RecreationArea, feel the cool currents,white sandy beaches androcky rapids at KisatchieBayou, experience a wilder-ness challenge in thenationally designatedKisatchie Hills Wilderness,

drive leisurely along the 17-mile Longleaf Trail ScenicByway or ATV trail ridingon the Sandstone Trail.

The Longleaf VistaRecreation Area lies on aridge that provides excel-lent views of the 8,700 acreKisatchie Hills Wilderness,which surrounds the Vistaon three sides. This popu-lar day-use recreation area

offers a variety of opportu-nities including picnicking,a 1.5 mile interpretive trailand access to the wilder-ness.

Locally known as theLittle Grand Canyon, thewilderness area is a favoredplace among hikers andhorseback riders who oftenenter along the BackboneTrail.

Kisatchie BayouRecreation Area offers dayuse picnicking, swimming,fishing and canoeing on thebayou, and hiking, bikingand horseback riding onthe Caroline Dormon Trail.Camping areas are orientedtowards walk-in tent camp-ing along the banks ofKisatchie Bayou.

The district administerstwo developed recreationareas, Kisatchie BayouRecreation Area andLongleaf Vista RecreationArea. User fees are chargedat Kisatchie Bayou and theCane and Lotus HunterCamps.

Day-use fees are $2 pervehicle at Kisatchie Bayou,$2 per vehicle at Cane andLotus and 50 cents per per-son, walk or bike-in.

Camping fees are $2 pernight at Kisatchie Bayouand $3 per night at Caneand Lotus.

The district offers visi-

tors numerous dispersedactivities that include ninescenic overlooks, 12 milesof wilderness hiking trails,canoeing over 20 milesdown Kisatchie Bayou, 50miles of multiple-use trailsand a 17-mil national scenicbyway and panoramic vis-tas.

The National Red DirtWildlife ManagementPreserve is a popular areafor various hunting oppor-tunities. State licenses andregulations apply, alongwith an additional manage-ment preserve permitissued by the Forest.Seasonal designated camp-ing areas or Hunter Campsare established in andaround the managementpreserve during huntingseason.

For more information,call or write to KisatchieRanger District, Hwy. 6West, Natchitoches, LA71457, (318) 352-2568.

Visit Kisatchie National Forest for great outdoor recreation

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Have an exciting and fas-cinating historical educa-tional experience when youvisit the Adai IndianNation Cultural Centeronly 15 minutes fromNatchitoches, openfrom 9 am.-5 p.m.

Visit the 8,000square foot, all-weather air-c o n d i t i o n e dand heated cul-tural centerlocated on theb e a u t i f u lgrounds in theAdai IndianN a t i o nCommunity.

Travel northon Interstate 49,Exit 148, turn left, drive4 1/2 miles on blacktop La.Hwy. 485 while enjoying thebeautiful scenery of thecountryside.

Feel the spirit of theAmerican Indian throughsong and dance, ancientartifacts and a large collec-tion of arts and crafts.

Stroll the grounds visit-ing the historical Indiandwellings furnished as they

were in the 1800s and early1900s that were occupied byAdais Indian leaders and

families.Enjoy area birdsand squirrels eat-

ing from feed-ers placedaround thecultural cen-ter.

Experience“thunder ofthe land,” thespirit of thebuffalo herdgrazing onthe groundsof the cultur-al center.There were

thousands ofbuffalo herds roamingfreely across the NorthAmerican continent at thetime of the first Europeanoccupation of TheAmericas.

Food Court serves visi-tors traditional All-American hamburgers,French fires, chicken sand-wiches, nachos, hot dogs,candy, soft drinks and more.

The Annual Caddo-Adai Pow Wow

celebrationis in October.

The center is openweekdays year round.

318-472-1007


Step back in time...at the Adai Indian Cultural Center


• Recognized in 2007 as a Preserve America Presidential Award Winner

• Listed as one of the Ten Bargain Retirement Spots by U S News & World Report

• Named as a 2006 Great American Main Street Award Winner by the National Trust for Historic Preservation

• N amed as one of the 2005 Dozen Distinctive Destination in the United States by the National Trust for Historic Preservation

www.natchitochesla.gov

Mayor’s WelcomeNatchitoches celebrates bicentennial“On behalf of the City ofNatchitoches, I would liketo take this opportunity towelcome you to our city,established in 1714 as theoldest permanent settle-ment in the LouisianaPurchase.Natchitoches is a wonder-ful place to explore, filledwith friendly people, nat-ural beauty and plenty ofthings to do for the entirefamily. The Natchitochesregion is home to the CaneRiver National HeritageArea, Cane River CreoleNational Historical Parkand a National HistoricLandmark District, one of three in the state ofLouisiana.National achievements include being named as one ofthe United States’ Dozen Distinctive Destinations in2005 by the National Trust for Historic Preservationas well as a Great American Main Street Communityand a Preserve America Presidential Award Winner.I encourage you to take the time to exploreNatchitoches and see for yourself why Oprah Winfreyonce called Natchitoches 'the best little town in theUSA'.We look forward to meeting you, and if we can be offurther service to you, please do not hesitate to con-tact my office at City Hall at (318) 352-2772."

Louisiana became the 18th state of theunion April 30, 1812. Natchitoches will cel-ebrate the bicentennial with eventsthroughout the year.

"Natchitoches Before 1812" will be thefeatured exhibit at the Cammie HenryResearch Center (third floor of NSU WatsonLibrary). The research center will display"Natchitoches After 1812," June-August.Visiting hours are Monday-Thursday from8 a.m.-5 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m.-noon.

The Cane River Creole NationalHistorical Park staff will present free 30-minute programs on the Bicentennial everySaturday from June-August. Call 356-8441for information on place and time.

Schedule of events:

Jan. 24Opening reception will be at the NationalCenter for Preservation, Technology andTraining, 645 University Place, from 5-7p.m. (free)

Feb. 25St. Denis Chapter Daughters of theAmerican Revolution will host"Natchitoches 1812" at 11:30 a.m. at LuckyVillage featuring speaker, Dr. Susan Dollar.(Dutch lunch)

May 19The City of Natchitoches will host"Celebration of Louisiana Bicentennial" onthe riverbank stage at 2 p.m. (free)An open house and exhibit will be at theNatchitoches Historical and GenealogicalLibrary in the Old Courthouse at 3 p.m.(free)

July 20-21Northwestern Folk Festival will be inPrather Coliseum on the NSU campus. Thetheme is "Louisiana Folk Music."

Sept. 21-22Louisiana Studies Conference will be in theNSU Student Union. The theme will be"Louisiana Art." (free)

Oct. 1The Natchitoches Christmas FestivalPoster, "Louisiana Bicentennial-1812-2012,"will go on sale.

Oct. 12-14Association for the Preservation of HistoricNatchitoches will present its Fall Tour of

Homes. Tickets available at NatchitochesConvention and Visitor's Bureau on FrontStreet.

Nov. 8Natchitoches-Northwestern Symphonyorchestra will present its "Pops" Concert at7:30 p.m. in Magale Recital Hall on the NSUcampus.

Nov. 17Look for a new set piece as the Christmaslights are turned on for the holidays.

Dec. 1Enjoy parades, fireworks, food and more atthe Natchitoches Christmas Festival. Theparade theme will be "LouisianaBicentennial-1812-2012."

Mayor Wayne McCullenCity of Natchitoches

REALTOR®

PLS

Visit our Web Site at:www.caneheritagerealty.com

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The Prudhomme-Rouquier House will befeatured on the Association for thePreservation of Historic Natchitoches FallTour of Homes.

The Christmas Festival will be Dec. 1.

The Natchitoches meatpie is a regional dish whoseingredients include groundbeef, ground pork, onions,peppers, garlic, oil, and a pieshell.

Natchitoches meat piesare often fried in peanut oilbecause of the oil’s highsmoking temperature.

A number of restaurantsin the historic district inNatchitoches serve meatpies, and frozen pies areavailable from grocers innorthern Louisiana.

It has a savory meat fillingin a crescent-shaped, flakywheat pastry turnover. It issimilar to a Spanish picadil-lo beef empanada. Varietiesare throughout the coloniesof the Spanish Empire.

This meat pie is not gener-ally available from other eth-nic regions of Louisiana“The Picayune’s CreoleCook Book” published 1901by The Times Picayune ofNew Orleans contains noth-ing comparable toNatchitoches meat pies in its

list of over a thousandrecipes.

Recently, Natchitochesmeat pies sold at food boothshave become popular at theNew Orleans Jazz &Heritage Festival.

The recipe has evolvedover the last 300 years.Ground pork or porksausage is now blended intothe ground beef for addition-al flavor.

Onions, bell pepper andwhen used garlic and pars-ley provide aromatics.Ground black pepper andcayenne pepper are added toget attention without beinguncomfortable.

Flour is added to brownedmeat and vegetable mixtureto dry, thicken and looselybind the filling.

The meat filling can beused in other foods (e.g.tacos, tamales, enchiladas,stuffed bell peppers) but theturnover crust is a definingelement.

Traditional size is approx-imately 4 ounce (by weight)

on 5”- 6” diameter pastrydough.

The filling should bemade the day before to allowflavors of the ingredients tomeld.

Filling, dough and toolsshould be chilled beforeassembly. Warm filling willcause the dough to disinte-grate.

In the first part of the 20thcentury, meat pies were soldfrom home kitchens or fromcarts by street vendors.

By 1967, Natchitochesmeat pies were produced in

commercial kitchens. Now,they may be ordered online.This progression hasallowed more people to expe-rience the memorable meatpies and their fame contin-ues to grow.

Louisiana PublicBroadcasting aired a pro-gram January 20, 2007describing how to makeNatchitoches meat pies.

It is available on DVDentitled “A Taste of

Louisiana with Chef JohnFolse & Company: Our FoodHeritage - The SpanishShows.”

The annual Meat PieFestival, held in September,celebrates the Natchitochesmeat pie. It includes piemaking demonstrations, ameat pie cook-0off, livemusic and more. The festivaldraws visitors from aroundthe globe to sample the tastypies.

Along the banks of picturesque CaneRiver is a national park that preservessignificant pieces of American history.Cane River Creole National HistoricalPark includes Oakland Plantation andthe outbuildings at MagnoliaPlantation. (Note that the main house atMagnolia Plantation is privately ownedbut is open for tours.)

Its mission is to preserve theresources and cultural landscapes ofthe Cane River area and to enhance theunderstanding of its peoples and tradi-tions.

Park rangers at the two sites will helpvisitors explore the French and Spanishcolony of Louisiana and what thatmeant to the origins of the cotton plan-tations along Cane River.

Visitors will gain a greater under-standing of Louisiana's plantationeconomy and its labor practices of slav-ery and later tenancy, and get a peekinto the lives of the people who lived onthe plantations. Visitors can learnabout the families, both owners andenslaved, who built the plantations,whose descendants stayed for manygenerations and may live in the CaneRiver area today.

Guests can find out why a plantationis more than just a "Big House" and

learn about the historic and contempo-rary definitions of the word "Creole."Those interested can study the vernacu-lar architecture of the park's 45 historicbuildings and get ideas about how theyadapted to Louisiana's climate.

Oakland Plantation is open for toursdaily at 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.seven days a week.

Magnolia Plantation unit is open fortours by appointment only, with 24hours advance notice. Visitor servicesare limited at this point; however, visi-tors are encouraged to view the devel-oping work in progress.

To reach Oakland Plantation fromNatchitoches, take Hwy. 1 south to thevillage of Natchez and turn left at theflashing yellow light on to Hwy. 119.Follow Hwy. 119 and turn right at thestop sign on to Hwy. 494. Continueapproximately 4 miles to OaklandPlantation on the right-hand side of theroad.

From Interstate 49, take exit 127, theFlora/Cypress exit. Head east towardsCypress on La. 120. Cross over La. Hwy.1 and continue for approximately 4miles on Hwy. 494. Oakland Plantationwill be on the left.

For more information, contactOakland Plantation at (318) 356-8441.


About Natchitoches Meat Pies

Cane River Creole Heritage:National park just down the road

Meat pies are ready for the hot grease.

Meat pies come in twosizes and several varieties,including fruit and craw-fish, to suit any palate.

The founder ofNatchitoches is includedin the St. Denis Walk ofHonor.

The monument honorsSt. Denis, who founded thecity in 1714. Born inQuebec in 1676, St. Denisdied in Natchitoches in1744. He first came to the area with Pierre Lemoined'Iberville. The two arrived at Fort Biloxi fromRockport, France, Dec. 7, 1699.

St. Denis was sent to a village of the NatchitochesIndians by Louisiana Governor Antoine de LaMotheSieur de Cadillac to establish a French outpost, FortSt. Jean Baptiste.

He arrived at the village and began immediateconstruction of the fort and military quarters Nov.27, 1713.

The $600 cost of placing the monument in the Walkof Honor was underwritten by Blane Ortego ofBaton Rouge, a descendant of Joachin de Ortega yPrieto, gunnery sergeant from Spanish Pensacola,and Maria Damasainte de Soto y St. Denis.

Maria was St. Denis's granddaughter through hisdaughter, Marie des Neiges de St. Denis, who mar-ried Don Manuel Antoine de Soto y Bermudez, who,prior to their marriage, was second in command tothe Spanish Governor Barrios. Her name means "thelady of the snows."

A bust of St. Denis can also be seen on the east endof Front Street next to the Tourist Commissionoffice.

St. Denis recognizedon Walk of Honor


Formerly the residence for10 Northwestern presidents,the Old President’s Cottage wasrenovated for the Alumni

Center in1984. Built in1927 ofFrenchNormandyarchitecture,the buildinghas been des-ignated anationallandmark.

The histor-ical signifi-cance ofCane RiverCountry isundisputed.Because ofthis heritage,the federal

government chose Natchitoches as the sitefor the National Center for PreservationTechnology and Training. The OldWomen’s Gymnasium, Nelson Hall, has beenrestored for the permanent headquarters ofthe center.

The old 1884 schoolbuilding that served con-vent students is one of thehistoric structures dedicat-ed as a national landmark.The old campus quadranglewhere the original columnsstood was entered into theNational Register ofHistoric Places in 1980under the title Normal Hill HistoricDistrict.

The archives of Watson Libraryand the Williamson Museum inKyser Hall exhibit historical hold-ings from the local and regional cul-ture. Contributions from citizensand historians represent archaeolog-

ical resourcesof Indian andantebelluminfluences.

NSUDemons playSouthlandConferencefootball at TurpinStadium.

Prather Coliseumhouses theLouisiana SportsHall of Fame withmemorabilia fromthe state’s mostprominent athletes.

Northwestern State University has beenan important part of the Natchitoches com-munity since it wasestablished in 1884.Three columns of the

Bullard Mansionthat originally stood onthe grounds, serve asthe unofficial symbol ofthe university.

Northwestern’s students and facul-ty share diverse talents in drama andart with the community.

The Hanchey Galleryoften exhibits the best worksof its faculty and students.

Northwestern State University Tour

Chaplin Lakefurther enhancesthe historic cam-pus that servesmore than 9,000students.

The A.A. Fredericks Fine Arts Center regularly fea-tures performances by the Natchitoches/NorthwesternSymphony Orchestra and theatre department.

MELROSE PLANTATION, 1796, isa National Historic Landmark. Thecomplex includes the Big House,African and Yucca houses, weavingcabin and original home of primitivefolk artist Clementine Hunter. The

plantation is rich in history. and culture that began with MarieTherese Coincoin, an owner who was a freed woman of color.The cultural highlights of the site were furthered during theHenry years as Miss Cammie provided living quarters for writ-ers. Clementine Hunter, renowned folk artist, painted herewhile employed as a domestic servant. Her murals adorn thewalls of the African House and her work is displayed in agallery within the Big House. Melrose serves as the annuallocation for the Melrose Arts and Crafts Festival in June. Toursare available daily.

OAKLAWNPLANTATION,

1830, is the restoredhome of “SteelMagnolias” authorRobert Harling. Thisbousillage, three- storystructure displaysCreole architecture common to Cane RiverCountry. The 680-foot oak avenue is the thirdlongest in the state.

CHEROKEE PLANTATION,1839, is listed on the NationalRegister of Historic Places andwas the site of the famous Bossier-Gaiennie duel, that was fought onthe savannah at the rear ofCherokee. This restored raised cot-tage is an important Creole struc-ture and is often featured duringthe annual NatchitochesPilgrimage in December.

BEAU FORTPLANTATION, 1790,

was built on the formersite of Fort Charles. It is

an early Creole-style home and features an 84-footgallery and covered rear patio. Many special occasionsare conducted at Beau Fort.

OAKLAND PLANTATION,1821, now part of the Cane RiverCreole National Historic Parkcontains the finest examples ofCreole architecture. The firstcotton in the state was planted onthis plantation.

THE BADIN-ROQUE HOUSE is one offive structures of its type remaining in theUnited States and the only one of its kind inLouisiana. Badin-Roque is listed on theNational Register for historic places and hasbeen nominated for National Landmark sta-tus. It is owned and maintained by the St.Augustine Historical Society.

THE ST. AUGUSTINECATHOLIC CHURCH is locat-

ed at Isle Brevelle and was foundedand built by Augustine Metoyerand his brother Louis Metoyer in1803. St. Augustine Church is thefirst church in America establishedand maintained by free people ofcolor. In 1829, when it was blessedas a mission, it was given the nameSt. Augustine in honor of St.

Augustine. It was blessed as a church parish in 1856, and atthat time, had four missions attached to it: St. Anns on OldRiver, St. Joseph at Bayou Derbonne, St. Anns, Spanish Lakeand St. Charles, Bermuda. The church was used as a filmsite for Steel Magnolias.

MAGNOLIA PLANTATION, 1830s,is one of only two National BicentennialFarms west of the Mississippi. Exceptfor the Big House, the complex is nowpart of the Cane River Creole National

Historic Park. The original walls and foundation were reused afterbeing burned by General Banks in 1864. The two and one-half storystructure has 27 rooms, including a Catholic chapel. The only cottonpress still in its original location is here along with the only row ofbrick slave quarters still standing in Louisiana. The plantation isclosed to the public.

AAuuttoo TToouurr OOff CCaannee RRiivveerrAuto Tour

of theCane River



The AmericanCemetery repre-sents the manycultures andcountries thatinfluenced theoldest settlementin the LouisianaPurchase. The site is the original loca-tion of Fort St. Jean Baptiste.

Cane Country cavalier Louis Juchereau De

St. Denis foundedNatchitoches in 1714.Fort St. Jean Baptistewas the French outposthe commanded. A replicaof the fort was built andpresents frequent livinghistory programs.

Several organizations that contribute to civic and preservation interests in

Natchitoches have restored land-marks for use as headquarters.The Prudhomme-RouquierHouse was restored by theService League of Natchitoches.

Front Street of Natchitoches boasts historic sites thatearned the oldest settlement in the Louisiana PurchaseNational Historic Landmark designation. Santa, and theChristmas Belles as helpers,greet guests during the holi-day season at the SantaClaus House on the river-bank. The Roque House, alsoalong the riverbank, was relo-cated to its present location.An example of Creole archi-tecture, the Roque House isconstructed of bousillage, amixture of Spanish moss,deer hair and mud. Bells toll

antebellum his-tories surround-ing the two land-mark churchesof ImmaculateConceptionCatholicChurch, left,and TrinityEpiscopalChurch, below.

The Natchitoches Parish OldParish Courthouse is now

closed as amuseum. Itis on SecondStreet acrossthe streetfrom Churchof theImmaculateConception.

Walking Tour of the Historic District

1. Tourism Information Center2. Bust of St. Denis3. Sompayrac Building4. Unter House5. Chez des Amís6. Washington Square7. Breazeale House8. Tauzin House9. Fitzhugh House10. Roque House11. Kaffie-Frederick Store12. Ducournau Square Townhouse13. Blanchard Building14. Prudhomme Building15. St. Denis Tomb Plaque16. Nakatosh Hotel

17. Old Opera House18. DeBlieux Building19. Kaffie House20. Prudhomme-Roquier House21. Tante Huppe House22. Chamard House23. Metoyer Townhouse24. Levy-East House25. Bayou Amulet26. Rusca House

27. Laureate House28. Steel Magnolias House29. Metoyer-Winbarg House30. Lemee House31. Steel Magnolias House32. Queen Anne House33. Green Gables34. Plauche House35. Steamboat House36. Nelken House37. William and Mary Ackel House

38. Fort St. Jean Baptiste39. American Cemetery40. Dismukes House41. Judge Porter House42. Fleur de Lis House43. Chaplin House44. First Methodist Church45. First Baptist Church

46. Trinity Episcopal Church47. Cunningham Law Office/

Chamber of Commerce48. Bishop Martin’s Residence49. Catholic Rectory50. Church of the Immaculate

Conception51. Old Courthouse Museum

53. New Courthouse54. Old Masonic Lodge55. Exchange Bank56. H.A. Cook Building57. Fort Claiborne Guest House58. Wells Home59. Rose Lawn House60. Wheelwright Inn61. The Blessed House

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The Cunningham Law Office, left, serves as headquarters forthe Natchitoches Historic Foundation and is open daily providingtourism information. The Lemee House is one of several proper-ties maintained by the Association for the Preservation ofHistoric Natchitoches.


Sally Field por-trayed M’LynnEatenton, thewarm-heartedbut iron-willedmother of ayoung bride.

Natchitoches residents were extras, includ-ing Norm Fletcher and Lori Tate. Fletcherand Tate played the bridegroom’s parents.

RobertHarling,author of“SteelMagnolias,”played theminister whomarriedShelby andJacksonLatcherie.

DrumEatenton (TomSkerritt) shootsat the birdsprior to the wed-ding receptionfor his daughter,Shelby (JuliaRoberts).

Truvy’s Beauty Shop was trans-formed into a Christmas wonder-land as the city celebrated its annu-al ChristmasFestival. DollyParton’s quickwit andSoutherncharm shinein her role asTruvy Jones.

Robert Harling,author of “SteelMagnolias,”received a staron the St. DenisWalk of Honor.Each of the starsin the featurefilm received astar. Conferringthe award wasrenowned sports-man andNatchitoches resident GritsGresham.Much of thestory came from real life, based on the sacri-fices of Harling’s sister, Susan, and mother,Margaret, in his hometown of Natchitoches.

The Steel Magnolias House on JeffersonStreet was used during filming as thehome for M’Lynn and Drum Eatenton.It is now a bed and breakfast inn.

‘‘SStteeeell MMaaggnnoolliiaass’’ TToouurr

“Steel Magnolias” stars, from left, JuliaRoberts, Olympia Dukakis, Dolly Parton,Shirley MacLaine, Sally Field and DarylHannah, portrayed six remarkable friends inthe southern town of Chinquapin.

The actresses commented onthe strength of the charactersand the sense of communitythat drew them to their parts.Meeting many of the real-lifecounterparts of their charac-ters also contributed to theiracclaimed performances.

Produced by Ray Stark, “SteelMagnolias” was directed by HerbertRoss. Victoria White was the execu-tive producer and Andrew Stone wasthe associate producer.

1. St. Septemberine Catholic Church, La. Hwy. 493at Melrose, Shelby’s wedding.

2.Northwestern State University Field House, postgame interviews.

3.American Cemetery on Second Street betweenDemeziere and the railroad tracks, Shelby’s funeral.

4. Lemee House, 310 Rue Jefferson, Ouiser’s house.5.Steel Magnolia House, 320 Jefferson, Eatenton

house.

6. Trinity Episcopal Church, 533 Second St., Truvy’s church.7. Private home, 301 Rue Touline, Mrs. Robeline’s boarding

house.8. Chaplin House, 434 Second St., Aunt Fern’s house.9. Walk of Honor, corner of Second Street and Rue St. Denis.10. Blanchard Building, 700 block of Front Street, adjacent to

Ducournau Square, Truvy’s No. 2.11. Riverfront behind Roque House, 800 block of

Washington Street, Easter egg hunt.12. Private home, 515 St. Maurice Lane, Annelle and

Sammy’s home.13. Private home, 453 Henry Blvd., Truvy’s house.14. Brookshire’s, Dixie Plaza Shopping Center, 318 Dixie

Plaza on Keyser Avenue, shopping with Clairee and Ouiser.15. Natchitoches Parish Hospital, 501 Keyser Ave., baby’s

birth.16. Tauzin Plantation Home, 1950 Williams Ave., Clairee’s

home.17. Odalie Lambre-Gwinn House, 1972 Williams Ave.,

Shelby and Jackson’s house.


According to availablerecords, the history ofImmaculate ConceptionChurch began in 1717, orperhaps 1716, when theFranciscan, Fr. AntonioMargil de Jesus, walked the21 miles from the SpanishMission at Los Adaes to sayMass at the French mili-tary post in Natchitoches.Services were also held inthe home of LouisJuchereau de St. Denis,commandant of the post,and his wife, DonaManuela.

The present church was

built in 1857; however, itwas not entirely completeduntil 1892 when BishopDurier added the dome onthe tower, constructed thepresent sanctuary and sac-risties, added the altar andtile floor. The church wasrestored and redecorated in1955-56 when the frontvestibule and entrancewere added.

On the south corner ofthe church is a plaque com-memorating the first publicreligious service held inNatchitoches. The date isgiven as 1716; however,

records now available give1717 as the date.

The Rt. Rev. Msgr. A.Piegay, Vicar General, andFr. A. Andries are buried infront of the church.

All fittings and furnish-ings, except the pews, wereimported from France: themain altar, the hand-paint-ed Stations of the Cross,the Statue of BlessedVirgin Mary over the mainaltar, the chandeliers andthe ladder located in thechoir.

The spiral staircase lead-ing to the choir is unique in

that it has no center sup-port. The woodenBaptismal Font, beneaththe staircase, was hand-carved in France.

Bishop Augustin Martin,the first bishop of theNatchitoches Diocese andhis Vicar General PierreF.Dicharry, are buried inthe church near the sidealtars.

Across the street are theRectory and the OldSeminary built in 1855 tohouse and educate semi-narians.

The Bishop Martin

Museum is now locatedthere and is the depositoryfor early records, datingfrom 1724, and for churchartifacts including a silverbell dated 1836.

Back of the Seminary onTrudeau Street is the bish-op’s residence erected byBishop Martin. At one timea similar but larger edificewas directly across fromthe residence on the cornerof Second and Trudeaustreets, with a wide brickwalk between the two. Thislatter one is no longerstanding.

Visit the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception Immaculate Conception Church was named a Minor Basilica in January 2010.

but don’t forget our ... Red Beans & Rice with Sausage Southern Fried Catfish Platters

and for dessert our Cane River Cream Pie

Open Mon-Sat 7am-3pm for Breakfast & Lunch

Open later on Saturdays for NSU and City Events Meat Pie Restaurant

A Natchitoches Tradition Come join us and choose from our unique menu featuring a blend of Soulful Louisiana Creole Flavors.

622 Second Street • Natchitoches, LA • 352-3353

We’re famous for our award winning MEAT PIES and CRAWFISH PIES

1000 University Parkway, Natchitoches, LA

• FREE High Speed Wireless Internet • FREE Continental Breakfast • FREE 32” remote controlled flat screen TV w/Expanded Cable, HBO, CNN, ESPN

• FREE In Room Coffee Maker & Hair Dryer • FREE In Room Microwave & Refrigerator • Outdoor Swimming Pool • Close to Downtown Historic District

Across from NSU

N EWLY R ENOVATED ! 318-352-4426

Shop the Classifieds

VViissiittoorrss’’ cceenntteerr ooffffeerrss ggrraanndd vviieeww ooff RReedd RRiivveerrThe J. Bennett Johnston

Waterway Grand EcoreVisitor Center is open. Thecenter offers extraordinaryviews of Red River from abluff high above the water.The grounds are host towildlife, cultural and histor-ical displays of the area andwaterway exploration andnavigation information. Awalking trail is available forvisitors to get a first-handglance at Civil Warentrenchments.

The 4,800 square foot cen-ter is situated at the highestpoint of the Grand Ecorebluffs overlooking Red River.It includes a reception area,exhibition hall, office andwork room along withrestrooms, storage andmechanical/electrical sys-tems.

Visitors will learn aboutthe waterway and the role ofthe Corps of Engineers inthe development, preserva-tion and enhancement ofwater resources in theregion.

Nine interior exhibits

cover the history, presentand future of the waterway.The theme is “Navigation onthe Red River: A Study InTime.”

Of particular interest isan extensive exhibit ofinformation planned onCivil War activities on theRed River with ties to theCivil War features on thesite. A Union fort was situ-ated on the bluff that includ-ed several large gun place-ments. These emplacementsand trench work are still vis-ible. A pathway takes visi-tors to the emplacementswhere interpretive signsand benches are located.

The Visitor’s Center islocated off La. Hwy. 6 at 106Tauzin Island Road, justwest of the Grand EcoreBridge. A 600-foot accessroad passes through acypress swamp and climbsthe hill for a view of theriver. For more information,call 354-8770.

Is is open from 10 a.m. - 4p.m. Thursday, throughSunday.

The NatchitochesHistoric District has beennamed as one of the top fiveMost Romantic MainStreets in the United States.

The announcement wasmade by the National Trustfor Historic Preservation.

The other four MostRomantic Main Streetsinclude Middletown, Conn.;Madison, Ind.; Franklin,Tenn. and Paducah, Ky.

The National Trust forHistoric Preservationsought the country’s mostromantic Main Street dis-tricts, seeking those placesthat offer unique experi-ences as well as atmosphere,history, charming streetsfor strolls, wedding destina-

tions, quaint B&Bs, specialhistoric spots and muchmore.

After scouring the coun-try, the National Trust forHistoric Preservation choseNatchitoches as one of thedestinations that meets thiscriteria.

“The NatchitochesHistoric District has longbeen considered a romanticdestination by visitors,”said Courtney Hornsby ofthe Natchitoches MainStreet Program.

“With our charmingFront Street, scenic CaneRiver Lake and beautifulhistoric homes and bed andbreakfasts, it is the perfectlocation for a romantic

evening or weekend get-away.”

Special emphasis will beplaced this year on promot-ing downtown Natchitochesas a premiere wedding desti-nation, particularly througha new water feature and gar-den area located in VirginiaBaker Park along the down-town riverbank.

MMMM oooo ssss tttt RRRR oooo mmmm aaaa nnnn tttt iiii cccc MMMM aaaa iiii nnnn SSSS tttt rrrr eeee eeee tttt


The Association For The Preservation of

Historic Natchitoches Invites You To Visit… Our National Historic Landmarks

Melrose Plantation Complex (Nine Buildings)

Open Tuesday - Sunday 12 pm - 4 pm Groups by Appointment

318-379-0055 16 Miles South Of Natchitoches

In Cane River Country

has the decor and comfort of a Bed and Breakfastwith the convenience and privacy of a hotel

Church Street Inn

DSL Internet Access • Voicemail • Complimentary BreakfastMini Refrigerator • Microwave • Monogrammed Bathrobes

318-238-8888800-668-9298

www.ChurchStInn.com

Featuring a Courtyard withRelaxing Fountain and

20 Elegant Guest Rooms that include:

Located in the Heart of the Historic District


Best WesternNatchitoches

at I-49 and Hwy. 6 Interchange

King and Queen Rooms • HBO • PoolFree Continental Breakfast

For reservations call352-6655 or 1-800-528-1234

Beta Omega Sigma Chapter of Sigma Gamma RhoSorority Inc. will host a Sigma Round-Up for all inactivesorors in Natchitoches and surrounding areas Jan. 5,2012 at 2 p.m. at the Natchitoches Parish Library.

Information regarding activation and upcomingevents such as regional conference and Boule will beavailable.

For more information contact Chriscella Metoyer at332-7609 or Monique Sarpy at 332-8264.

Louisiana Pecans is locat-ed on the site of the originalLittle Eva Pecan Barn thatburned in May, 1999.

The historic train depotthat now houses theLouisiana Pecans retail giftbusiness serviced Natchezuntil the 1970s when it wasmoved to Derry and servedas a community center inthat area. It later lost itsfunding and was eventuallysold on the courthousesteps.

The Depot became a stor-age building for local artistsupplies until July 1999when it was purchased andmoved 6 miles south to theeast side of Little EvaPlantation and restored.

The renovated, historicgem has been a nostalgicbackground for the pecanbusiness, as well asantiques, home décor andgift business.

The owners pride them-selves on having the bestpossible pecan productsavailable, only surpassed bytheir attention to customerservice and detail.

They fill each order, largeor small, with the sameattention they would use in

sending personal orders.Customers are very impor-tant to them, and they takepride in serving them.

At Louisiana Pecans, vis-itors can find whole andcracked pecans straightfrom the orchard, shelledpecan halves in several vari-eties and sizes, pecan piecesand pecan meal. They have17 gourmet flavored pecansincluding sugar free flavors,salted and naturally sweet.They carry pecan logs,divinity, pralines and othersouthern pecan delicacies.

They offer a variety ofgift tins with an assortmentof products as well as gifttrays and gift baskets.

Their specialty is customgifts and can design a gift to

specifications of price andproduct.

They also carry selectpieces of jewelry, trinketboxes and other collectablesalong with local art andgourmet products nestledinto their antique showcas-es.

Shipping is available yearround.

Louisiana

Pecans

Train Depot Historic

Tues - Sat: 10:30 AM - 5:00 PM Sun: 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM

(318) 379-0980 • 800-73PECANS

Open For The Holiday Season!

25 Miles South o f Natchitoches o n Hwy 1, Left Side o f Hwy - Building with Red Roof

louisianapecans.com

G ift S hop

Do you feel lost? Are you confused? Are you missing something in your life? Call, come or write to Mrs. Jane. She will tell you your Past, Present, and Future. She will remove BAD LUCK, Reunite you with your LOVED ONE, and help you with DRUG PROBLEMS...Call immediately!

318-357-9217 4364 Hwy. 3278, Natchitoches, LA 71457

MRS. JANE MRS. JANE Healer & Adviser Healer & Adviser

Banks on Cane River

By Tom MurchisonNatchitoches and the Cane River country played a

prominent role in the War Between the States.Geographically remote from the actions East of the

Atchafalaya, Natchitoches had escaped from Unionoccupation, but all of that changed in February of 1864when Lincoln ordered General Nathaniel B. Banks tomove up the Red River with the object of taking thethen Confederate capitol, Shreveport, and carrying theinvasion into East Texas.

As a bonus, Banks had his eye on the tens of thou-sands of bales of cotton stored on the rich agriculturallands along the Red and Cane Rivers.

Banks was a political commander with little militaryexperience and he bit off more than he could chew eventhough he outnumbered his Rebel opponents and wassupported by a strong flotilla of gunboats under thecommand of the capable David Porter. Banks marchedtoward Natchitoches from Alexandria and after numer-ous skirmishes occupied our town on March 30. Porterreached Grand Ecore April 3.

Confederate General Richard “Dick” Taylor, out-numbered and under orders to retreat, withdrew west-ward to Mansfield and Banks followed. Taylor, son ofPresident Zachary Taylor, was a Louisiana planter withno formal military training.

However, he was extremely intelligent and a bornwarrior. On April 8, at Sabine Crossroads nearMansfield, he defied the orders of his superiors atShreveport and led a small army of Louisiana andTexas troops and delivered a bold, smashing attackagainst Banks and completely routed them. The nextday, Taylor, with help from fresh Missouri andArkansas troops fought the Union army to a standstillat Pleasant Hill.

Banks retreated again, back through Grand Ecoreand Natchitoches and down Cane River with Taylor’sRebels snapping at his heels.

Banks’ men tried to burn Natchitoches down on theretreat but failed. However, they succeeded in burningjust about everything else along Cane River, includingplantation homes, barns and even slave cabins. It hasbeen said that the sky was lighted by burning buildingsfrom Grand Ecore to Cloutierville.

But the Yankees didn’t come back and NorthwestLouisiana remained free until the final surrender.

The Red River adventure was a total military disas-ter for the Federals and a great embarrassment for theUnion.

It is significant that this was the last campaign wonby the South. Natchitoches was liberated by Taylor’stroops and thus the city was under Union control lessthan a month.

Our role in the Civil War

Historic Train depot home to Louisiana Pecans

Calling all inactive sororsfor Sigma Round-up Jan. 5

Life’s Great At Super 8Free Continental BreakfastHBO, Color TV with Remote CntrolRefrigerators/Microwaves Available42 Rooms/Deluxe Suites available! - Parking For 18Wheelers/Large RV’s Located Five Minutes FromNSU, Ten Minutes From Historical District

Close to Several Fine Dining Establishments (Mariners, Pirogue’s)Major Credit Cards Accepted, AAA, AARP, VIP Discounts Welcomed!

Located Highway 1 Bypass, Natchitoches, LA

Call (318) 352-1700 or Toll Free 1-800-800-8000 For Reservations

The commandant’s quar-ters are foggy with smokethat trails from the fire-place.

Next door, well-wornleather shoes wait next to asoldier’s bed and rumpledbedcovers in another beliea straw mattress beneath. Ifthis place looks as thoughthe garrison has juststepped out, then the staffat Fort St. Jean Baptistehave succeeded.

Named for a Frenchpatron saint, the fort’s orig-inal location is unknown,though it is believed to havestood where the OldAmerican Cemetery istoday.

The fort that visitorstour today is a reconstruc-tion based on historicalrecords.

Though it’s hard for visi-tors to believe, nothinginside its walls is a genuineartifact from the 18th cen-tury--except, perhaps, theslowly weathering mudthat is mixed with mossand grasses to seal thewalls (what the Frenchcalled “bousillage”).

But the fort is not meantto be a museum of 18th cen-tury treasures. The goal ofthis State Historic Site is tointeract with visitors, let-ting them experience theculture of everyday life.

“We are moving towardsliving history,” saysInterpretive Ranger DarrenVermillion. “We keep firesgoing in the houses, bakebread… and basically try tomake the fort look alive.”

Vermillion says that part

of their goal is to debunkthe stereotypes associatedwith the oldest town in theLouisiana Territory.

“Natchitoches was notthe back woods in the1770s,” he explains. “It wasa booming community.”

The French garrison sta-tioned at Fort St. JeanBaptiste had a double pur-pose: keeping a close eye onthe Spanish at Los Adaes tothe west and being a centerfor trade. The later boostedthe economy of the French

colonists and became themain business of the garri-son. Good relations withthe Native American tribesalso encouraged the sol-diers to assimilate theirclothing styles and habits.

“The soldiers adapted toLouisiana woods,” saysVermillion. “They adaptedto Native American dressand wore their style cloth-ing, such as leggings.”

Vermillion and the restof the staff authenticatetheir costumes further byskinning, tanning and mak-ing their own deer skin cov-erings.

Fort St. Jean Baptiste isopen daily, except holidays,from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Formore information or tomake group reservations,contact the site at 318-357-3101.

State Historic Site moves toward living history demonstrations

Step back in time at FFoorrtt SStt.. JJeeaann BBaappttiissttee

Tanning demonstrations occur throughout the year.

Staff members show how life has changed since thefounding of the fort, while wearing colonial attire.

Black powder demonstrations are a favorite among visitors.


5335 Hwy. 6 West Natchitoches, LA 71457

Tel: (318) 214-0700 Fax: (318) 214-9721

• 25” Remote Control Expanded Cable TV with HBO, CNN, ESPN • Suites Include Microwave, Refrigerator and Coffee Maker • Complimentary Continental Breakfast • Shoney’s and McDonald’s Nearby • Free Highspeed Wireless Internet Service • Outdoor Swimming Pool • Non-Smoking Rooms • 24 Hour Front Desk • Queen Size Beds • Free Local Calls • Meeting Room • 70 Rooms

A fireplace was the only source of warmth and heat forcooking available in homes in the colonial era.

Local producer Daniel Graves released aDVD tour of Natchitoches, available at theBook Merchant, Cane Brake Café, Georgia’sGifts and Kaffie-Frederick Hardware.

Graves explains why he chose to focus onthe oldest settlement in the LouisianaPurchase.

“I’ve studied the area’s history for over 20years and still come across stories that areamazing. Basically everything about thetown, from the colonial days to the present,is a very unique and unusual story ofAmerican history.”

A veteran documentary maker, his pro-ductions have depicted Louisiana historyduring prehistoric times, the Civil War, theeras of the Long brothers, 20th centuryplantation life and numerous short workson individual incidents.

He calls the new DVD a “meet-and-greet”

production.“There’s history. You can’t talk about

Natchitoches without getting into its histo-ry, but there’s also some beautiful aerialfootage and interviews covering questionsvisitors and potential future residents askmost often.”

Produced in cooperation with City ofNatchitoches, the program begins with awelcome by Mayor Wayne McCullen andshows the city from both sides of CaneRiver.

It includes interviews with tourismdirector Iris Harper.

Also featured is an interview with Dr.Randall Webb about NSU, an explanation ofthe National Historic Landmark District bychairwoman Sharon Gahagan and a look atwhy the area is enticing to retirees by busi-nessman Ed Dranguet.

Available for free inJanuary through AppleiTunes, the ExploreLouisiana CrossroadsVisitor Guide Application(APP) will allow users totake advantage of theadvanced capabilities of theiPhone, iPad and iPodTouch user interface.

“The Explore LouisianaCrossroads APP will be aneasy-to-navigate tool forboth pre-trip planning andto get information whileonsite at a variety of recre-ational sites in the area,”said Brandi Bradford leadpark ranger with the U.S.Army Corps of Engineers.“It is intended both for visi-tors to the Natchitochesarea, as well as local resi-dents who may want toexplore more of the his-toric, natural, and recre-ational treasures that theCrossroads offers.”

Features of the ExploreLouisiana Crossroads appli-cation include:

-Quick access and Googlemap locations for all recre-

ation sites, historic sites,dining, shopping, lodging,camping, boating, fishingand other activities avail-able to visitors coming tothe La. Crossroads Region.

-Directions, details ofwhat to find at each site,hours of operation, fees andother important info to getvisitors to any site theywant to find.

-Historical and heritageinformation about one ofthe richest historic areas ofthe state.

-Auto and walking tourguides for the historic andnatural resource sites in thearea.

-Quick access toNorthwestern StateUniversity, the City of

Natchitoches along withsafety information, emer-gency contacts and more.

-Quick dial from youriPhone to contact all listingsand links to area Web sites.

-Links within each visi-tors’ guide to other informa-tion and interesting sitesyou may also want to see

during your trip.-Safety information for

all types of recreation activ-ities you may want to tryduring your visit.

-Emergency contacts andother services that you mayhave need of during yourtrip, such as post offices,banks, hospitals and otherservices.

-History and significanceof the Natchitoches region

-Directions, details andGoogle map locations forarea sites

-Auto and walking tourideas

-Safety, service and emer-gency contact information

A consortium ofNatchitoches organizationsjoined together to providecontent for this APP. Projectpartners include:

-Natchitoches AreaConvention and VisitorsBureau

-City of Natchitoches -Association for

Preservation of HistoricNatchitoches

-Melrose Plantation

-Cane River WaterwayCommission

-Cane River CreoleNational Historical Park

-Cane River NationalHeritage Area

-Natchitoches AreaChamber of Commerce

-U.S. Army Corps ofEngineers

The APP is powered byNomad Mobile Guides(TM).

For more informationcontact Bradford at 318-354-8770.


Take Natchitoches home on DVDthanks to local producer

Natchitoches, a DVD Tour can be purchased at the BookMerchant, Georgia’s Gifts and Kaffie-FrederickHardware.

Travel Guide: We have an app for that

The Explore LouisianaCrossroads icon, above,will appear on iPhonesafter the app is down-loaded.

The Explore LouisianaCrossroads Visitor GuideApplication is free andavailable soon throughApple iTunes. It allowsquick and easy pre-tripplanning for places ofinterest within the state,including Natchitoches.

Nobody knowsNatchitoches better!

Visit our website:www.collinsandstamey.com

Collins & StameyR E A L E S T A T E304 College Ave. • 357-1262

Plantation Tours Steel Magnolias Tours Historic Town Tours

Customized Tours Step-On Bus Tours

with Barbara

318-352-5469 318-663-5468

email: [email protected] www.tournatchitocheswithbarbara.com

The French came to Natchitoches in 1714. Now its your Turn.

Tour Natchitoches Call for more information

Natchitoches Pecans Inc.is where fine pecans aregrown.

The 400 acre pecanorchard is located on a por-tion of the historic LittleEva Plantation inCloutierville.

The mission atNatchitoches Pecans is sim-ple: provide the best prod-ucts and service to cus-tomers at the lowest pricespossible.

The owners pride them-selves in providing whatthey believe are the bestpecans, pecan candies andgifts as well as an unsur-passed commitment to cus-tomer service.

Ordering directly fromthe grower ensures cus-tomers receive only thefreshest pecans and pecancandies.

The online store isdesigned to provide a safeand secure environment tobrowse the product catalog.

If looking for some of thefreshest pecans for yourmom’s pecan recipe to makedelicious pecan pies, or aunique holiday or all occa-sion gift basket, simplybrowse the online pecanstore where you are sure tofind delightful selectionsthat satisfy every pecancraving from simple togourmet.

Natchitoches Pecansoffers in-shell pecans, natur-al shelled halves and pecanpieces, cracked, candied andcinnamon spiced pecans,pecan gift baskets or tinsand more.

Prices include deliverywithin the continentalUnited States.

Other items for saleinclude raw “natural”pecans, roasted saltedpecans, pecan meal,gourmet flavored pecans,pralines, pecan logs, sugarfree pecan treats, CaneRiver sampler, Clementinefor the holidays collectortin, corporate pecan gifts,pecan oil, cookbooks, nut-crackers, a special blend ofpecan coffee, rum flavorsugar coated pecans, oldfashion cane pecans with anatural cane sugar coatingand pure milk chocolatecovered pecans.

Natchitoches Pecans Inc.is a family owned and oper-ated pecan orchard whereduties are shared in bring-ing the crop to market, fromscouting insects, fertilizing,pruning and harvesting tominding the store each fall.

Mark Swanson sees to theeveryday operations whilehis wife, Julie, takes care of

Little Eva’s Pecan Store andthe mail order business.

Mothers, brothers, sis-ters, nieces and nephewshelp wherever needed.

Natchitoches Pecanstakes pride in having sup-plied the Louisiana PecanFestival Country Store withtop quality fresh pecans forthe past 20 years.

The company was estab-lished in 1987 and has sincebeen supplying the publicwith some of the highestquality pecans available.

Picture yourself sittingon a grassy bank with yourfeet gently dangling in thecool, clear water of the CaneRiver.

You look up, the sun iswarm on your face, youshade your eyes and lookpast the river to see rowsand rows of pecan trees -they seem to go on forever -green and lush against thebright blue Louisiana sky.You are surrounded by thepecan orchard ofNatchitoches Pecans.

To truly experience the flavor of a place, one mustvisit a home, become acquainted with the peoplewho live there and share a home-cooked meal withthem.

For this reason, bed and breakfast inns are one ofthe most popular forms of accommodations for peo-ple who enjoy learning more about a town than whatis available at major tourist spots.

Natchitoches is fortunate to offer a wide range ofbed and breakfast accommodations, from luxurioussuites that allow the weary traveler to indulge him-self in a formal setting, to simple yet elegant roomswith special touches to make each guest feel wel-come and comfortable. Accommodations for thosewho enjoy a quiet, quaint and rustic setting are alsoavailable.

In addition to being consummate hosts, most bedand breakfast owners are also a wealth of informa-tion about Natchitoches and can be helpful in plan-ning vacation itineraries, offering advice on thearea's best kept secrets in finding bargain antiques,local events and dining.

Do you dream of overnighting at a romantic ante-bellum plantation, an 19th century Queen Anne, an18th century French townhouse or a fully remodeledand convenient hide-away? All are available inNatchitoches. Many are located in the LandmarkHistoric District, both along Cane River and in quietresidential areas, in convenient walking distance todowntown shopping and dining. Others are quietlytucked away along the winding banks of the CaneRiver plantation country, minutes from the city.Guests can make themselves at home surrounded byheirloom antiques.

Whether honeymooning, second honeymooningor traveling with children, appropriate accommoda-tions can be found.

If an innkeeper does not offer accommodationsfor children or pets, they very often can suggestanother inn that does. While most inn keepers pre-pare sumptuous breakfasts and/or snacks for theirguests, some inns offer continental breakfasts andstill others have kitchens available to allow guests toprepare their own meals at their convenience.

Many bed and breakfast inns are also available forparties, receptions or other special gatherings.

Each inn in Natchitoches has its own colorfulstory and is unique in ambiance, yet all are unequiv-ocal in gracious Southern hospitality.


Natchitoches Pecans Inc L ITTLE E VA P LANTATION

Farm Fresh Pecans Pecan Candies Gift Tins Unique Gifts

C ALL FOR F REE B ROCHURE

439 Little Eva Road, Cloutierville, LA 71416 (318) 379-0272 www.natchitochespecans.com

S TORE HOURS Oct. 14 - Dec 23: 9am -5pm, Mon - Sat & (1pm-5pm Sunday starting Nov. )

5362 Hwy. 6 West Natchitoches, LA 1-800-228-5150 (318) 352-7500

59 Deluxe Rooms • Pool • King Rooms with 27” remote color TV • Queen Rooms with 2 queen beds • HBO, ESPN • In-room movies available FREE deluxe continental breakfast

Natchitoches Pecans: home of fine pecans

Pecan store at Natchitoches Pecans

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Documents

A Free Guide to Leisure and Attractions Courtesy of The ...matchbin-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/public/sites/1127/... · Indians, a Native American group whose tribal name means “Chinquapin-eaters.”