History of Natchitoches, Louisiana
Natchitoches (IPA chart for English|pronounced {{IPA|[ˈnækətəʃ]}}, or NAK-uh-tush) is the parish seat of Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana|Natchitoches Parish, in the U.S. state of Louisiana. The population was 17,865 at the 2000 census. The community, named after the Natchitoches tribe, was founded in 1714 as part of Louisiana (New France)|French Louisiana.
Natchitoches has long been known for its popular Christmas lighting festival held the first Saturday in December. The lights continue to brighten the Cane River until after New Year's Day. In 2006, the festival celebrated its 80th year of existence.
Several motion pictures have been filmed in Natchitoches, including Steel Magnolias, starring Julia Roberts, Sally Field, Daryl Hannah, Shirley MacLaine, Dolly Parton, and Olympia Dukakis, and The Horse Soldiers, starring William Holden and John Wayne.
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