Natchitoches in Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana — The American South (West South Central)
Old Normal Hill
Photographed by James Hulse, December 18, 2025
1. Old Normal Hill Marker
There's a long winding road we can go
On the way up to old Normal Hill
A road that was crowded long ago
There are thousands who follow it still.
There's a banner of purple and white
We proudly hold up above
There's a field where the brave
Demons fight To glorify something they love.
There's a Potpourri filled with the faces
Of friends who have come and gone
There are memories of dear old places
That linger as the years roll on.
Then here's to the Purple and White
And here's to the Demons so true
May the years ever brighten the light
On these memories for me and for you.
Written in 1940 by Dr. Ralph L. Ropp
Professor of English and Speech; Debate Coach
1923-1949
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Arts, Letters, Music. A significant historical year for this entry is 1940.
Location. 31° 45.088′ N, 93° 5.563′ W. Marker is in Natchitoches, Louisiana, in Natchitoches Parish. It is at the intersection of Central Avenue and Central Ave, on the right when traveling east on Central Avenue. The marker is located in front of the Old Normal Hill at Northwestern State University.
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Central Louisiana. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Deep South, and in the Piney Woods. Globally, it is in North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the Viceroyalty of New France, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, the Louisiana Purchase, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Isabella's Ghost (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Northwestern State University (about 400 feet away); Steel Magnolias (approx. 0.2 miles away); Colonel William Houston Jack (approx. 0.2 miles away); The American Cemetery (approx. 0.2 miles away); Colonial Gateway Corral (approx. 0.2 miles away); Fort St. Jean Baptiste (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named The American Cemetery
Photographed by James Hulse, December 18, 2025
2. Old Normal Hill Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on December 22, 2025. It was originally submitted on December 22, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 40 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 22, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.
