Rusticana

There is no place like Cane River country. Once part of the Red River, Cane River is a 36-mile long lake that meanders through a beautiful agricultural area settled first by American Indians and later by French colonial farmers. Cane River country is the heart of Natchitoches' Creole community, families descended from free people of color who continue to define the culture of the area with their heritage of faith, family and ties to the land. Like many rural areas, the landscape here is changing quickly with houses replacing the cotton fields, pastures and pecan orchards. Still, there is much to appreciate in this place where time slows down and the shadows of history persist.