Crossroads
Crossroads is the region located in the central part of the state. This region has a long history of cultural exchange, with numerous groups of people settling here in the past 300 years. It is, in many ways, a transitional zone between the largely Cajun and Creole Catholic cultures of South Louisiana, and the Protestant Anglo culture of North Louisiana.
The landscape of this area varies, from delta lands along the Mississippi River to the east, to the large man-made Toledo Bend Reservoir along the Texas-Louisiana border. Other major waterways in the area include the Calcasieu, Cane and Red rivers, which were major paths for early settlement of the region. The area also includes largely wooded uplands to the northwest, containing segments of Kisatchie National Forest. South of Alexandria, the main city in central Louisiana, the area is largely farmland.
Natchitoches, a small city northwest of Alexandria, has the distinction of being both the oldest permanent settlement in Louisiana and in the area forming the 1803 Louisiana Purchase. Founded in 1714, Natchitoches contains the only National Historic Landmark District in Louisiana outside of New Orleans. Located in this district are numerous historic buildings showing French, Spanish and 19th century American influences.
Alexandria is the main population center of the region and is a river city noted for its zoo. It is surrounded by longleaf pine forests, an important source of lumber, as well as fields used for cotton, sugar and rowcrop cultivation.
The area was not heavily damaged by hurricanes Katrina and Rita but took in large numbers of evacuees, as did much of northern Louisiana. The area sustained some wind damage from falling trees, as well as some street flooding. Like regions further north in the state, this is an area with potential for relocating to, as it is on higher ground and inland far enough to be protected from the worst effects of hurricanes.
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| Last Updated: 9/27/2009 2:37:23 PM |
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