Natchitoches (NA-ki-tish), one of two Preserve America communities in Louisiana, was founded in 1714. The town grew along the Red River levees and river channels. In 1830, the river shifted its main channel to the east. The city quickly saw the end of river traffic and was forced into transporting goods by land, thus establishing the town as a primary area for trade, and a throughway for a stream of Texas settlers.
This sunrise view looks out from Grand Encore and the Red River Bridge, just a few miles from Natchitoches. Grand Encore Visitors Center sits high on a bluff, overlooking the Red River, offering an access point for river recreation. Grand Encore enjoys the river that Natchitoches had lost.