Natchitoches, Louisiana

==Economy==
[[Image:City Bank and Trust Co. of Natchitochnes, LA IMG 1968.JPG|thumb|right|City Bank and Trust Company is one of several financial institutions in downtown Natchitoches.]]
[[Image:Kaffie-Frederick, Inc., General Mercantile, Natchitoches, LA IMG 1931.JPG|thumb|right|Kaffie-Frederick, Inc., is the oldest general store in Louisiana.]]
Following continued population decline in the area, in part due to mechanization of agriculture, by the 1970s, Natchitoches had suffered an economic downturn that resulted in a 65% vacancy in the commercial district. Because of efforts to revitalize the city and emphasize its unique historic assets, as described above, vacancy is now about 1%.

The Port of Natchitoches—a river port on the [[Red River of the South|Red River]]—is located off the eastbound part of [[U.S. Route 84]], just outside Natchitoches. The port exports lumber from yards onsite, as forestry is a major industry in the area, as well.

[[Natchitoches Regional Airport]] serves cities (via FBO) such as Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Dallas, Houston, Little Rock, Monroe, and Shreveport. It is adjacent to Northwestern State University; together, they offer flight training. The airport is under renovation to become one of the country's most advanced [[non-towered airport]]s.{{citation needed|date=June 2018}}

The [[Natchitoches National Fish Hatchery]] is based here. They handle over six species of fish and other wildlife. The parish attracts numerous sports fishermen during the seasons.

The [[Natchitoches Christmas Festival]] is a well-known celebration of the holidays for locals. The festival is held on the river.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Holiday Festival Lights Up Natchitoches|url=https://www.louisianatravel.com/articles/holiday-festival-lights-natchitoches|access-date=2021-01-25|website=Louisiana Official Travel and Tourism Information|language=en}}</ref>

Since completion of [[Interstate 49]], many business have either moved or have been built outside the city's central area. Gas stations and hotels have developed in this area and serve many of the Natchitoches Christmas Festival visitors.

In 1998, Natchitoches was named one of the top six places in the United States to retire by ''Kiplinger's Personal Finance Magazine''.

===Tourism===
The [[Cane River National Heritage Area]] is a {{convert|116000|acre|km2|adj=on}} area which includes many sites such as [[Oakland Plantation (Natchez, Louisiana)|Oakland Plantation]], [[Melrose Plantation]], [[Badin-Roque House]], [[Magnolia Plantation (Derry, Louisiana)|Magnolia Plantation]], [[Kate Chopin House (Cloutierville, Louisiana)|Kate Chopin House]], Cherokee Plantation, Cane River Heritage Scenic Byway, [[Fort St. Jean Baptiste State Historic Site]], [[National Historic Landmark]] District (Old Courthouse Museum, Bishop Martin Museum, Landmarks in Time Exhibit), and  [[Los Adaes State Historic Site]]. Because of this richness of culture, the area is one of the destinations on the [[Louisiana African American Heritage Trail]] newly designated by the state.

Natchitoches, a popular tourism area of the state, is equipped to serve visitors with 11 national chain hotels, and 27 bed-and-breakfast inns,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.natchitoches.net/accommodations/bed-and-breakfasts/|title=Bed & Breakfasts, Cabins, and Guest Houses in Natchitoches, LA}}</ref> including the Steel Magnolia House.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.steelmagnoliahouse.com/|title=Home|website=steelmagnoliahouse.com}}</ref>

Natchitoches attracts over one million visitors annually. The city is known as a retiree-friendly city. In 2006, Natchitoches was awarded the [[Great American Main Street Award]] for the effort the community has put into revitalizing and restoring much of the historic district.

The city's tourism center is the downtown river walk. This includes Front Street, which becomes Jefferson at the Texas Street light. Front Street is the jewel of the city. It overlooks the river walk and is bordered by an assortment of shops and boutiques. The city has identified this area as its historical district. The [[Historical Society]] maintains the area through regulations on changes and restorations. Natchitoches has a mini "Walk of Fame" located in the historical district of the city.

While visiting the area, tourists may notice many unusual structures; these are many of the Natchitoches Christmas Festival lights. The city recently built a small convention center located on Second Street, which holds many city events.

The [[Bayou Pierre Alligator Park]] is a major tourist attraction, where tourists may feed the alligators and dine and shop. The park teaches school children to respect nature and to conserve its many habitats. Natchitoches is home to a branch of the [[Kisatchie National Forest]], a designation promoted by naturalist [[Caroline Dormon]] to preserve regional natural wonders.

Opened December 2005, the [[Natchitoches Events Center]] is in the [[Natchitoches National Historic Landmark District]]. Located at 750 Second Street, the facility has a {{convert|40000|sqft|m2|adj=on}} meeting facility, a {{convert|15000|sqft|m2|adj=on}} exhibit hall with three meeting rooms, a board room, and a full-sized catering kitchen.

===National Guard===
A Troop 2-108TH CAV is headquartered behind the local college and the airport. This unit has been deployed twice to Iraq, first as part of the 1-156TH Armor Battalion in 2004–2005, and then as part of the 2-108TH CAV SQDN in 2010. Both times, this company-sized unit deployed with the [[256th Infantry Brigade]].,