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About this cache: Natchitoches(Nak-i-toosh)is the oldest town in Louisiana and the oldest permanent settlement in the Louisiana Purchase. Established in 1714 by Louis Juchereau de St.Denis, the French settlement had two purposes; to establish trade with the Spanish in Texas and Mexico, and at the same time, to deter Spanish advances into Louisiana. It is believed the French first arrived in the area around 1699. Successful trading with areaIndians prompted leaders to establish a trading post at the head of navigation on the Red River near a village of Natchitoches Indians. Large-scale settlement began after the Louisiana Purchase turning the town into a flourishing river port and crossroads, giving rise to vast cotton kingdoms along the river. Planters built magnificent plantations down river and fine homes in town for social events. Eventually, however, the river changed it’s course, bypassing Natchitoches. What was once known as the Red River is now Cane River Lake, a 30-something mile body of water that runs from the city’s downtown historic district through Plantation Country.
Natchitoches, the original French Colony, also known as the "City of Lights," from the Christmas light festival that begins after Thanksgiving each year, retains its European flavor through its architecture, heritage and lifestyle. At it’s heart is the National Historic Landmark District, a 33 block area, the only one outside New Orleans. Front Street, a brick thoroughfare, faces the beautiful Cane River Lake, where restaurants and businesses with wrought iron balconies can be explored . Many historic homes,churches, Bed and Breakfast Inns and commercial structures can be seen as well offering a mixture of Queen Anne and Victorian architecture, along with Creole style cottages throughout the district.
Two well known businesses have been located in the Historic District for many years.
Kaffie-Frederick Mercantile, established 1863, is the oldest continuously operated business in Natchitoches and Lasyone’s Restaurant, serving famous Louisiana meat pies, since 1967.
Natchitoches can boast of two well known movies filmed in the town and local area.
"Steel Magnolias" starring Dolly Parton, Julia Roberts, Daryl Hannah, Shirley McLaine, Sally Field and Olympia Dukakis, filmed entirely in Natchitoches, released in 1989 , based on a true story and written by Robert Harling Jr. who is a native and resident of Natchitoches.
"Horse Soldiers" a well known film, starring John Wayne and William Holden among others and was released in 1959.
The area has several beautiful plantations to visit. One, Melrose Plantation, has a wonderful, diverse and remarkable history dating back to 1742 with a woman that was born a slave, later owning Melrose, Marie Therese Coincoin. This plantation just calls to the travelers for a visit and tour.
There are other interesting and historic sites to enjoy in the area. Two examples are Ft. Jessup, whose first commander was Zachary Taylor, and Las Adaes, founded in 1717,one of the first missions in the area and immortalized in Longfellows "Evangeline", make great short excursions.
Natchitoches is located on I-49 between Alexandria and Shreveport, about 140 miles north of Lafayette off I-10 and 70 miles south of Shreveport off I-20.
The cache is a large camoed container with the series code in the lid, as well as a few goodies. Muggles are wide spread,especially on the weekends and holidays, so use stealth at your discretion. Parking is available, although it can be hard to find during peak hours on weekends and holidays.
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Logging Requirements: Enjoy this cache as you would any other. If you are searching this cache as a participant in the Cache Across America series, please post a photo of yourself or a member of your group with the cache in your online log. If you for some reason are unable to meet the photo requirement, please make alternate arrangements to verify your find with the individual cache owner. There is no photo requirement for non-challenge participants.
Individual verification of all 50 state finds will be required before logging the series final.
If participating in the series, please take note of the three digit code located inside this cache. Save this code in a secure place. When you have visited all 50 caches, and have collected all 50 codes, you are welcome to seek and find the final cache! Good luck!
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