Jefferson Highway was a famous driving route through the central United States, known as the “Pine to Palm Highway” for the trees found at either end. It was America’s first north-south intercontinental roadway, built as part of the 1910’s National Auto Trail system and was named for President Thomas Jefferson and inspired by the east-west Lincoln Highway.
The Natchitoches CVB placed signage at their Welcome Center on Front Street and dedicated Jefferson Street Park to honor the Jefferson Highway which stretched for 2,000 miles through the Louisiana Purchase Territory from Winnipeg, Canada to New Orleans, Louisiana. The interpretive signage, created by the Cane River National Heritage Area, was unveiled at the Park as part of the Dedication ceremony. Interestingly enough, the tourism office, located within the National Historic Landmark District, was previously the Natchitoches Ford Automobile Dealership since 1903, the first in Louisiana.
You can explore this route’s history, through Natchitoches, Louisiana’s original settlement, along Highway 6, then skirting through rural areas, such as Robline in front of the Los Adaes State Historic Site and north through Marthaville near Rebel State Historic Site.
Jefferson Highway Lodging Association includes:
Church Street Inn
120 Church St, Natchitoches, LA 71457
Hotel Bentley
200 Desoto St, Alexandria, LA 71301
Jefferson House B&B
229 Jefferson St, Natchitoches, LA 71457
Violet Hill B&B
917 Washington St, Natchitoches, LA 71457
Steel Magnolia House B&B
320 Jefferson St, Natchitoches, LA 71457
(318) 238-2585
Find the Jefferson Highway – Natchitoches Area Sample Itinerary HERE.
Find out more about the entire route at JeffersonHighway.org.
