Apr.1.2021 Natchitoches (pronounced NAK-uh-tish), the oldest permanent settlement in modern-day Louisiana, was founded in 1714 by a French-Canadian Louis Antoine Juchereau de St. Denis while he was on a trade mission from Mobile, Alabama, to Mexico. When he reached the Natchitoches Indian village, he built two huts on the Cane River, left a small detachment to trade with the native people, and thereby established the first permanent Louisiana settlement. Natchitoches is a one-of-a-kind community brimming with history, culture, shopping, recreation, and unique creole and cajun cuisine. Things To Do In Natchitoches Natchitoches National Historic Landmark District At the heart of Natchitoches lies 33 city blocks with more than 100 historical structures serving as a shopping and dining experience and a bed and breakfast lover's dream. Take a horse-drawn carriage tour and admire elegant old homes with ornate wrought-iron balconies brimming with colorful flowers. Explore unique shops and restaurant destinations with flavors that stem from French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Indian, African, Cajun, and Creole cuisine. Sample gumbo, crawfish etouffee, jambalaya, bananas Foster, and the famous Natchitoches meat pies.