Lunchtime Lagniappe: Natchitoches 1803-1840, with Dr. Kathleen Byrd

Natchitoches may not be typical of how a rural French community adapted to the influx of Americans after the Louisiana Purchase. Its position on the frontier and the early presence of three American institutions – a military fort, an Indian agency, and a federal trading post – makes it unique. During this period, Natchitoches was a hub of activity. Events on the Spanish/American frontier narrowly avoided a war, concerns with the loyalties of the Native Americans resulted in trade and a Grand Council, and filibuster efforts and migration brought hundreds of people to Natchitoches as they traveled westward into Texas. Dr. Kathleen Byrd will share some of these stories.

Until her retirement, Kathleen M. Byrd was the director of the School of Social Sciences at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches. She has also served as the state archaeologist for Louisiana.

Contact:  (318) 357-2492

This event is free and open to the public. Visitors are welcome to bring their lunch and eat while they listen and learn.

For more information, visit our FLASH Facebook page or call 318-357-2492.