Cities and Towns in Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana

Founded in 1807, Natchitoches Parish is one of 64 parishes in the state of Louisiana. Historically, Natchitoches Parish was one of the original 19 parishes. The city of Natchitoches is the parish seat. With FIPS code of 69, Natchitoches Parish has a population of 37,026 and area of 1,299 square miles (3,364 km²).

List of all cities in Natchitoches Parish, LA alphabetically

City/Town Postal Code Area Code
Ajax, LA 71450 318
Allen, LA 71469 318
Ashland, LA 71002 318
Bellwood, LA 71468 337
Bethel, LA 71450 318
Boline, LA 71450 318
Campti, LA 71411 318
Cane River, LA 71456 318
Clarence, LA 71414 318
Cloutierville, LA 71416 318
Cypress, LA 71457 318
Derry, LA 71416 318
Flora, LA 71428 318
Fort Jessup, LA 71469 318
Goldonna, LA 71031 318
Gorum, LA 71434 318
Hagewood, LA 71457 318
Harmony, LA 71469 318
Irma, LA 71457 318
Kisatchie, LA 71468 337
Little Egypt, LA 71450 318
Marthaville, LA 71450 318
Melrose, LA 71452 318
Montrose, LA 71452 318
Natch, LA 71457 318
71458 318
71497 318
Natchez, LA 71456 318
Natchitoches, LA 71457 318
71458 318
71497 318
Northwestern, LA 71457 318
Nsu, LA 71457 318
71497 318
Powhatan, LA 71066 318
Provencal, LA 71468 337
Robeline, LA 71469 318
Shamrock, LA 71469 318
Spanish Lake, LA 71469 318
Vowells Mill, LA 71469 318

Major Cities and Towns in Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana

1. Natchitoches, Louisiana

Location and History

Natchitoches, the parish seat of Natchitoches Parish, is located in north-central Louisiana along the banks of the Cane River. Founded in 1714 by French explorer Louis Juchereau de St. Denis, it is the oldest permanent settlement in the Louisiana Purchase territory. Originally established as a trading post with Spanish-controlled Texas, Natchitoches became a significant French settlement due to its strategic position on the Red River. When the Red River shifted course, the town adapted by turning to agriculture, particularly cotton and later pecans, as well as tourism. Today, Natchitoches is known for its beautifully preserved French Creole architecture and rich cultural heritage, with a strong emphasis on its history.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Natchitoches is home to Northwestern State University (NSU), a prominent regional institution that plays a key role in the town’s educational and cultural life. Natchitoches Central High School is the primary high school serving the area. Major landmarks include the historic Natchitoches Historic District, which features the famous Front Street along the Cane River, and the Natchitoches National Fish Hatchery. Fort St. Jean Baptiste State Historic Site provides insight into the town’s colonial past, while the annual Natchitoches Christmas Festival is a major draw for tourists. The Cane River Creole National Historical Park also preserves the unique heritage of the area.

Area, Population, and Coordinates

  • Area: 25.1 square miles
  • Population: 17,924 (2020 census)
  • Zip Codes: 71457, 71458
  • Latitude: 31.7607° N
  • Longitude: 93.0863° W

2. Campti, Louisiana

Location and History

Campti is a small town located in the northeastern part of Natchitoches Parish, near the Red River. Established in the early 19th century, Campti was once a thriving river port due to its position along the Red River, which facilitated trade in cotton and other agricultural products. During the 19th century, the town became known for its rich farming lands and served as a regional agricultural hub. Over time, however, the town’s economy shifted as river trade diminished. Today, Campti is a quiet, rural community with a focus on agriculture and small businesses.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Campti is served by Lakeview High School, which educates students from Campti and surrounding areas. A key landmark in the town is the historic St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church, which has been a central part of the community’s spiritual and social life for over a century. Campti is also located near the Red River National Wildlife Refuge, which provides opportunities for outdoor activities such as fishing, birdwatching, and hiking. The town celebrates its agricultural heritage through local fairs and events, making it a stronghold of rural Louisiana culture.

Area, Population, and Coordinates

  • Area: 1.2 square miles
  • Population: 891 (2020 census)
  • Zip Code: 71411
  • Latitude: 31.8999° N
  • Longitude: 93.1165° W

3. Provencal, Louisiana

Location and History

Provencal is a small village located southwest of Natchitoches in Natchitoches Parish. It was settled in the late 19th century and named after early French settlers from the Provence region. The village historically served as a center for agriculture, particularly cotton farming, and timber production. With its rural charm and close-knit community, Provencal has retained much of its historical character, even as it has modernized. Though small, the village has maintained its connection to the land, with farming and forestry still playing significant roles in the local economy.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Provencal is served by Provencal Elementary and Junior High School, part of the Natchitoches Parish School District. Major landmarks in the village include the Provencal United Methodist Church, which has been a cornerstone of the community for many years. The nearby Kisatchie National Forest offers a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities such as hiking, camping, and hunting. Provencal’s peaceful environment, combined with its proximity to larger towns like Natchitoches, makes it an attractive location for those seeking a rural lifestyle with access to natural beauty.

Area, Population, and Coordinates

  • Area: 1.3 square miles
  • Population: 558 (2020 census)
  • Zip Code: 71468
  • Latitude: 31.6552° N
  • Longitude: 93.2066° W

4. Clarence, Louisiana

Location and History

Clarence is a small village located along U.S. Highway 84, southeast of Natchitoches. Established in the early 20th century, the village developed around the railroad and agricultural industries, particularly cotton and corn production. Clarence has always been a rural community with strong ties to agriculture, but it has also become known for its connection to the Louisiana culinary scene, particularly for its role in the popularization of Cajun-style meat processing and smoked meats.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Clarence is part of the Natchitoches Parish School District and is served by nearby schools in Natchitoches, such as Natchitoches Central High School. A major landmark in Clarence is Grayson’s Barbecue, a local institution known for its smoked meats that draws visitors from across the region. The Red River, which flows near the village, provides opportunities for fishing and recreational activities. Additionally, Clarence’s rural landscape, dotted with fields and pastures, reflects the village’s agricultural heritage.

Area, Population, and Coordinates

  • Area: 1.0 square mile
  • Population: 404 (2020 census)
  • Zip Code: 71414
  • Latitude: 31.7638° N
  • Longitude: 92.9982° W

5. Goldonna, Louisiana

Location and History

Goldonna is a small village located in the northern part of Natchitoches Parish, near the Kisatchie National Forest. Founded in the late 19th century, the village was named after an early settler, Goldonna Cade. Goldonna developed as a lumber and farming community, with its economy primarily based on timber and agriculture. Over the years, the village has maintained its rural character and remains a quiet, close-knit community. The village’s location near the national forest makes it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Goldonna is served by Goldonna Elementary and Junior High School, which caters to the local population. The village’s key landmarks include the surrounding Kisatchie National Forest, which offers a wide array of recreational activities such as hiking, camping, and wildlife observation. The nearby Saline Bayou is a designated National Wild and Scenic River, adding to the area’s natural beauty. Goldonna’s annual events, such as local fairs and festivals, celebrate its agricultural roots and the strong community bonds that define the village.

Area, Population, and Coordinates

  • Area: 1.4 square miles
  • Population: 364 (2020 census)
  • Zip Code: 71031
  • Latitude: 32.0151° N
  • Longitude: 92.9168° W