by Ryan Taylor

Created on: February 18, 2009   Last Updated: April 18, 2011

In this quaint city, it's easy to spot the locals from the tourist just ask anyone "How do you pronounce Natchitoches?" Here's a tip for all you tourists: say it fast and don't pronounce every single letters, and you've got - Na-ka-tish.

On the map, you will find Louisiana situated in the "deep south" or southern region of the United States. It is divided into parishes rather than counties (a parish meaning a local church) and there are 64 parishes, altogether. In effect, several parishes were formed when Louisiana was under French and Spanish rule. Natchitoches, however, is located in the northwestern part of the state in Natchitoches Parish. This parish was formed by the "Act of April 10, 1805", which separated the Louisiana territory into 12 parishes.

The city of Natchitoches was founded in 1714 by Louis Juchereau de St Denis, and named after the Natchitoches Indian Tribe that settled in the area. Trade between the French and local Indians began to prosper, and soon after, French officials built a trading post along the shores of the Red River to take advantage of Natchitoches' geographic position. In fact, Natchitoches is the "oldest permanent settlement in the Louisiana Purchase".

There is much to explore in Natchitoches and Natchitoches Parish. They both offer an array of attractions and accommodations: historic homes and bed-and-breakfasts, art galleries and museums, fun-filled festivals year round, typical Louisiana cuisine, Creole style plantation homes, water activities, a university, and great film location setting.

The historic downtown district is celebrated for its architecture, heritage, natural beauty, and southern living. In the heart of downtown, you can wallow in the picturesque backdrop of historic buildings with wrought iron balconies, French architecture, antiquity shops, and fine restaurants offering savory Louisiana cuisine many of these sites are found along Front Street.

A little known fact: Natchitoches was the filming location for the fictitious town in "Steel Magnolias", starring Julia Roberts, Sally Field, Dolly Parton, Daryl Hannah, Shirley MacLaine and Olympia Dukakis (1989). If you enjoyed the film, why not visit or spend the night at an on-site location. Built in 1830, the Steel Magnolia House offers visitors the unique opportunity to relax in comfortable surroundings and living history.

From Front Street, head down the embankment and take a stroll alongside the Cane River Lake. Relax and sit on a bench under a magnolia tree, eat

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