Natchitoches in Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana — The American South (West South Central)

Natchitoches residents fought hard for civil rights

Photographed by James Hulse, December 18, 2025

1. Natchitoches residents fought hard for civil rights Marker

Inscription. Natchitoches residents fought hard for civil rights. The train carried the U.S. mail securely and privately, allowing residents to voice their concerns about discrimination through letters mailed to the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and federal agencies.

“There was a postal box outside and we waited for the midnight train to post letters at the last minute, so they didn't go through local hands." Edward Ward, Natchitoches resident.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Civil Rights.

Location. 31° 45.706′ N, 93° 5.634′ W. Marker is in Natchitoches, Louisiana, in Natchitoches Parish. It is on Depot Street north of Trudeau Street, on the left when traveling north. The marker is located on the grounds of the Texas and Pacific Railroad Depot (Cane River Creole National Historical Park). Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Natchitoches LA 71457, United States of America. Touch for directions.

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: Architecture of Segregation (here, next to this marker); A Long Journey (here, next to this marker); The Texas and Pacific Railroad Depot (here, next to this marker); The Great Migration (here, next to

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this marker); During World War II, 1.2 million Black men served in the U.S. military (a few steps from this marker); I took my first train ride (a few steps from this marker); The last day of Texas & Pacific services in Natchitoches (a few steps from this marker); Oakland Plantation (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Natchitoches.

Photographed by James Hulse, December 18, 2025

2. Natchitoches residents fought hard for civil rights Marker

Photographed by James Hulse, December 18, 2025

3. Natchitoches residents fought hard for civil rights Marker

The view of the markers along the right side of the depot.

Texas and Pacific Railway Depot image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, December 18, 2025

4. Texas and Pacific Railway Depot

Credits. This page was last revised on December 23, 2025. It was originally submitted on December 22, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 60 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on December 23, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.