First Anglo settlement by French in 1699, Natchitoches is the oldest settlement in the Louisiana Purchase. (New Orleans pre-dates Natchitoches, but was not part of the Louisiana Purchase, which was areas west of the Mississippi River.) It is also the site of the former Spanish capital of Tejas (Texas) Loa Adaes.

The Nakitosh Indians a part of the Caddo tribe lived in the area. The city and parish were named after that tribe. The Caddo have a cultural center in Natchitoches parish which will help others understand the native American culture.

Natchitoches parish has rich farmland, cotton and pecans are the predominant crops, and the parish is a large supplier of chicken. The Kisatchie National Forest occupies a large portion of the western part of the parish.

For more information about Natchitoches Parish, see http://www.explorenatchitoches.com/