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Natchitoches, LA

Frequently asked questions

Natchitoches, LA

Natchitoches is a small city and the parish seat of Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana, United States. Established in 1714 by Louis Juchereau de St. Denis as part of French Louisiana, the community was named after the indigenous Natchitoches people. At the 2020 United States Census, the city's population was 18,039. Established in 1714 by Louis Juchereau de St. Denis as part of French Louisiana, the community was named after the indigenous Natchitoches people.

The City of Natchitoches was incorporated on February 5, 1819, after Louisiana had become a state in 1812. It is the oldest permanent settlement in the land acquired by the Louisiana Purchase. Natchitoches is home to Northwestern State University. Its sister city is Nacogdoches, Texas.

Natchitoches was established in 1714 by Canadian explorer Louis Juchereau de St. Denis. It is the oldest permanent European 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; French traders settled there as early as 1699. The post was established near a village of Natchitoches Indians, after whom the city was named. Early settlers were French Catholic immigrants and Creoles (originally meaning those ethnic French born in the colony). French Creoles acquired lands that were developed in the antebellum years as the cotton-producing Magnolia Plantation and Oakland Plantation. Each has been preserved and is designated as a National Historic Landmark.

After the United States Louisiana Purchase of 1803, migration into the territory increased from the US. Natchitoches grew along with the population in the parish. Initially, the Americans were primarily of English and Scots-Irish ancestry and of Protestant faith. They developed several cotton plantations along the Red River. Numerous enslaved African Americans were brought to the area through the domestic slave trade to work the cotton and provide all other skills on these plantations, generating revenues for the wealthy planters before the Civil War.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 25.1 square miles (65 km²), of which 21.6 square miles (56 km²) are land and 3.6 square miles (9.3 km²) (14.21%) are covered by water. A 35-mi-long (56 km) lake was formed from a portion of the Red River when it changed course. It is now known as Cane River Lake. The municipal water supply comes from nearby Sibley Lake, a formerly drained wetland dammed in 1962, which also offers fishing and boating.

Natchitoches places a strong emphasis on health and wellness, with healthcare services accessible to residents. Natchitoches Regional Medical Center offers comprehensive health services, including wellness check-ups and preventive care programs. All Hours Fitness offers comprehensive fitness programs including cardio, strength training, and group exercise classes. Basic Health & Fitness provides a full-service gym with exercise, yoga, kickboxing, swimming, and personal training. The Robert W. Wilson Recreation Complex offers a range of activities from weightlifting to group fitness classes. For outdoor enthusiasts, Kisatchie National Forest offers hiking and biking trails that promote physical fitness and mental well-being. Anytime Fitness provides 24/7 access to a well-equipped gym. For a holistic approach, Magnolia Spa & Wellness provides massages, facials, and wellness treatments.

Top sites in Natchitoches, Louisiana are Fort St. Jean Baptiste State Historic Site, Dark Woods Adventure Park, and Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame.

Population: 17,195 (2023). ZIP code: 71457. Area code: 318. Elevation: 118 ft. Area:26.28 sq mi (68.07 km²).

FAQs

What is Natchitoches, LA is known for?

Natchitoches hosts nine nationally recognized motel chains with 800+ rooms plus two locally owned inns. Natchitoches, well known for the filming of Steel Magnolias, is also known as the “City of Lights”. The world-famous Natchitoches Christmas Festival is always held on the first Saturday in December. Events throughout the year fill out the festival calendar for a great time any time of year. 

What is the race population of Natchitoches, LA?

Natchitoches is a city located in Natchitoches Parish, Sabine Parish, and Winn Parish Louisiana. Natchitoches has a 2024 population of 16,912. Natchitoches is currently declining at a rate of -1.54% annually and its population has decreased by -5.88% since the most recent census, which recorded a population of 17,968 in 2020. According to the most recent ACS, the racial composition of Natchitoches was Black or African American: 56.85%, White: 36.48%, Two or more races: 4.44%, Asian: 1.04%, Other race: 0.92%, Native American: 0.27%, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander: 0%.

What is the crime rate in Natchitoches, LA?

With a crime rate of 68 per one thousand residents, Natchitoches has one of the highest crime rates in America compared to all communities of all sizes - from the smallest towns to the very largest cities. One's chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime here is one in 15. Within Louisiana, more than 98% of the communities have a lower crime rate than Natchitoches.

Sources

City of Natchitoches

Wikipedia

Natchitoches

Neighborhood Scout

World Population Review

Fort St. Jean Baptiste State Historic Site

Dark Woods Adventure Park

Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame

Natchitoches Regional Medical Center

All Hours Fitness

Basic Health & Fitness

Robert W. Wilson Recreation Complex

Kisatchie National Forest

Anytime Fitness

Magnolia Spa & Wellness

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