Natchitoches in Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana — The American South (West South Central)
Colonial Gateway Corral
Photographed by James Hulse, December 18, 2025
1. Colonial Gateway Corral Marker
First sighted by St. Denis and Bienville in 1700, this hill was later St. Denis' vacherie. Here three paths met. From the Spanish West came cattle and horses; eastward were his home and the route of flatboats to New Orleans. A road wound North to the Fort.
Erected 1968 by Louisiana Tourist Commission.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Roads & Vehicles • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1700.
Location. 31° 44.936′ N, 93° 5.682′ W. Marker is in Natchitoches, Louisiana, in Natchitoches Parish. It is on Sam Sibley Drive near Central Ave.. On campus of Northwestern State University across street from NSU WRAC Building. 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: The Centennial Plaque (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Isabella's Ghost (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Freedom Tree (approx. 0.2 miles away); Old Normal Hill (approx. 0.2 miles away); Northwestern State University (approx. Ό mile away); Jefferson Highway Tourist Camp (approx. 0.4 miles away); Steel Magnolias (approx. 0.4 miles away); Colonel William Houston Jack (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Natchitoches.
Regarding Colonial Gateway Corral.
this page online
Photographed by Tom Bosse, July 3, 2017
2. Colonial Gateway Corral Marker
Photographed by Mike Waldon, June 21, 2013
3. Colonial Gateway Corral Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on February 26, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 24, 2013, by Mike Waldon of Lafayette, Louisiana. This page has been viewed 980 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on December 23, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. 2. submitted on July 25, 2017, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. 3. submitted on June 24, 2013, by Mike Waldon of Lafayette, Louisiana. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
