Natchitoches (/ˈnækətəʃ/ NAK-ə-təsh; French: Les Natchitoches) is the parish seat of Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana, United States. it is the most populous municipality in Natchitoches Parish. It was established in 1714 by Louis Juchereau de St. Denis as part of French Louisiana. Established in 1714 by Louis Juchereau de St. Denis as part of French Louisiana, the community was named after the indigenous Natchitoches people.
The City of Natchitoches was not incorporated until after Louisiana had become a state (1812), on February 5, 1819. It is the oldest permanent settlement in the region. Natchitoches' sister city is Nacogdoches, Texas. It is also the location of Northwestern State University.