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Cane River Cachet - March 30, 2002
By Ada D. Jarred
A familiar old hymn by Katherine Hankey is “I Love to Tell the Story”:
I love to tell the story
Of unseen things above,
Of Jesus and his glory,
Of Jesus and his love....
Christians sing the words of that song in reaffirmation of their commission to “Go ye, therefore, and teach all nations....”
The Cane River National Heritage Area is also charged with telling a story, that of the peoples, cultures, and history of the Cane River region. A major project to assist with that assignment is nearing completion. Dr. Brenden Martin, an associate professor of public history at Middle Tennessee State University and formerly of Northwestern State University, has compiled a draft of a master interpretive plan for the heritage area.
Martin, who was in town recently, presented his draft to the Heritage Area Commission, at its regular meeting on March 21 and at a special session of interested persons the following morning. The plan includes a survey of heritage area resources, critiques of heritage area sites, primary interpretive themes, secondary interpretive themes, and recommendations for the future.
Martin personally visited all heritage area sites, interviewed all site managers, and oversaw a team of Northwestern students and other community residents who made reconnaissance visits to the same sites–Fort Jesup, Los Adaes, Fort St. Jean Baptiste, Beaufort Plantation, Oakland Plantation, Melrose Plantation, Magnolia Plantation, and the Kate Chopin House.
The draft recommends the following primary interpretive themes: (1) frontier gateway; (2) “Creolization” on the Cane; (3) evolution of plantation life; (4) a woman’s place; and (5) this beautiful land. It also suggests secondary themes of people, agriculture, architecture, artistic/creative expressions, military, natural history, religion, and Steel Magnolias.
The first theme recognizes the Natchitoches area as the meeting place of French, Spanish, and American frontiers, enabling the interpretation of frontier life, westward expansion, and military history. Expansion of interpretation of military history by the current fort sites could include the Louisiana Maneuvers of World War II and the modern military at Folk Polk.
Creolization pays tribute to the unique tri-racial caste system of the Cane River. By expanding current emphasis on white planter families, interpretation could be enlarged to include stories of Native Americans, African Americans and Creoles of color. The unique architecture, food, language, and artistic expressions of the area would be emphasized.
Interpretation of Cane River plantation life offers the opportunity to cover Southern agriculture from slavery to mechanization. The Cane River Heritage Area also provides a unique juxtaposition of plantation lowlands and hill country to utilize in interpretation.
The Natchitoches area has a striking history of strong-willed women. The recognition of such dominant figures as Cammie Henry, Clementine Hunter, Kate Chopin, Caroline Dormon, and Marie Therese Coincoin provides numerous stories and fascinating insight into the history of the region.
Landscapes and natural resources are some of the treasured features of the Cane River area. Natchitoches is located where it is because of Cane River, formerly the Red River. This fact should not be lost in interpretation, and the natural habitat and its resources could be emphasized in future interpretation.
Numerous ethnic groups have peopled the Cane River region. The diverse groups include Native Americans, European Creoles, African Americans, Creoles of Color, Jews, and Italians. Their stories are presently underutilized in regional interpretation and are ripe for additional interpretation in the future.
Martin cites four chronological eras of local agriculture that parallel those of the South as a whole: the pioneering phase; development of Old South plantations; the rise and decline of tenant farming; and modern farming. Numerous sites along Cane River may be utilized to develop this interpretation.
Creole architecture characterizes the most significant structures of the heritage area. “One of only six colonial architectural styles that developed in America,” according to Martin, “Creole architecture has three basic types of dwellings, including the single-story Creole Cottage..., the raised two-story Creole plantation house..., and the Creole townhouse....”
Another of the underdeveloped themes for interpretation of the heritage area is the writers, artists, and musicians who have artistically and creatively expressed their feelings of the Cane River region. Kate Chopin and Clementine Hunter are two who readily come to mind, but many others also should be researched and presented.
Current sites that interpret military history are Fort St. Jean Baptiste, Los Adaes, and Fort Jesup. None, however, fits local military history into the national picture, and lack of interpretation of the Civil War represents a major gap. Considering the high interest in these subject areas, this theme offers development opportunities of major proportions.
Natural history also offers another underutilized theme for interpretation. The area developed because of its natural features. Waterways and hills could be shared with visitors, and plants and animal life could be explained as well. The scenery of the heritage area may not be as dramatic or spectacular as some others, but its lush, green beauty is undeniable.
Religion has always represented a major force in the lives of Natchitoches residents. From prehistoric Native Americans to present day Catholics, all have been influenced socially, culturally, and economically by religion, primarily Catholicism. The approaching anniversary of the local diocese will undoubtedly assist in interpretation of this theme.
The 1980s film Steel Magnolias triggered Natchitoches tourism over the past 15 years. The topic is popular with visitors, and the story of its influence could be expanded.
The Cane River National Area has many stories to tell. As Martin summarizes, “Cane River National Heritage Area is blessed with natural beauty, awesome heritage resources, and compelling human stories. Visitors are drawn to the quaint structures and life ways of Cane River, but most visitors do not understand the historical significance of the heritage area because of the lack of a coordinated interpretive program.” With Martin’s plan as a guide, the Cane River National Heritage Area Commission hopes to work with tourist sites in the area to present a coordinated approach to the history of the region.
Martin cites a Travel Industry Association of American study which indicates that heritage travelers spend more per trip than other U. S. travelers; stay away from home longer than other U. S. travelers; are more likely to shop on trips; and are somewhat older, more educated, and have higher incomes than other U. S. travelers. Tourism is a major economic force in Natchitoches; so it is to our advantage to know our own stories, be able to distinguish between fact and folklore, and be eager to share this beautiful region with visitors. Martin’s plan will surely help us get more organized in meeting those goals. As we become more knowledgeable we will “love to tell the story” of the Cane River National Heritage Area.
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