A French Colonial settlement, lead by Louis Juchereau de St. Denis, gained a substantial foothold along Louisiana's Red River nearby a Natchitoches Indian village. With its connection to the Mississippi River, the town prospered with its trade and agriculture during the early 1700s. The fickle Red River eventually changed its course and cut off Natchitoches (NAK-uh-tush) from its access to Mississippi shipping. The town was saved from America's mainstream development, leaving Front Street and the heart of Natchitoches an old, but charming town. The historic city has retained its brick streets, decorative wrought iron balustrades and wonderful shops and restaurants. Front Street overlooks what once was the Red River, now dubbed Cane River Lake. The 38 mile long oxbow lake graces the Natchitoches National Historic Landmark District, accentuated with a mixture of Queen Anne, Victorian and Creole style buildings.
   Here, visitors enjoy the sights of the Cane River Lake from all along the River Walk. The city is famous for its Festival of Lights, a celebration that focuses on the beauty of the lake. Dating back to 1927, the Christmas Festival draws over 500,000 visitors each year, beginning in mid November and running through the New Year holiday.

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