Preservation In Natchitoches

Preservation In Natchitoches. . Nestled on the banks of the Cane River, Natchitoches is perhaps the most beautiful inland town in Louisiana. Founded in 1714 as a French colonial settlement, it boasts brick lined streets, historic architecture, and a charming ambiance that draws visitors from around the world. , As Natchitoches has withstood the ebb and flow of its fortunes over time, the National Historic Landmark District holds within its boundaries much of America's story: settlement, ownership by Spanish and French governments, the expansion of U.S. boundaries, the growth of an agricultural economy, slavery, Civil War and Reconstruction, the Great Depression and 20th century economic development, and mechanization and modernization. , Natchitoches has changed significantly in the last century. The city has attracted new industries that have enabled it to grow and prosper. However, one of Natchitoches' greatest achievements has been preserving its own past. Preservation has been a community priority for over 60 years, with early efforts led by local preservationists resulting in the survival of many historic sites in the region. Over time, the community's efforts led to the designation of a National Historic Landmark District within the City of Natchitoches, as well as the establishment of the Cane River National Heritage Area uniting historic resources in both the urban and rural environment. The result is a beautiful region with enduring living traditions and cultural landscapes that recall Louisiana's complex history. Natchitoches continues to honor and preserve its history, as the region understands that its future is, in many ways, dependent upon its past., Did You Know , . The Natchitoches Historic District was designated in 1974 and listed to the National Register of Historic Places. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service's National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America's historic and archeological resources. , . The historic district has more than 200 historic structures, including a significant concentration of 18th and early 19th-century buildings built using, the French colonial construction technique of bousillage. , . Members of a Historic American Buildings Survey team from Washington, D.C. visited Natchitoches in 1940. This team consisted of an architect, artist and an historian. They were sent out to document through architectural drawings, the many structures of historical significance stilt remaining throughout the country. , . The Association of Natchitoches Women for the Preservation of Historic Natchitoches, known today as APHN was the first local preservation organization. It was founded in 1941 in an effort to protect and restore Lemee House, a historic house located in downtown Natchitoches, from being sold by the city to a developer.