Join us at The American Cemetery in Natchitoches, Louisiana on Tuesday April 13th
Jason Church, Materials Conservator, of the NCPTT will be joining us as well!
American Cemetery, 48 State Tour, 2021
American Cemetery is one of the cornerstones of the Natchitoches community. Established around 1737, the cemetery is only a few years younger than the town itself, and its historic landscape is filled with trees and wildlife. Historians believe that the site was the location of the second Fort St. Jean Baptiste (the first was located a short distance to the east on a site that is now submerged by Cane River Lake). It was at this fort that the first official cemetery was founded. All residents of the fort were buried there, regardless of race or class. It is speculated that St. Denis, the town’s founder, is buried somewhere on the grounds. However, any marker that might testify to the location of his remains has long since been lost. In fact, there are no surviving monuments predating 1797.
Contact
For more specific questions or concerns regarding the event at American Cemetery contact:
Jason Church of the NCPTT
jason_church@contractor.nps.gov
(318)332-6621
American Cemetery is located near the Holy Cross Church