Cane River Cachet - September 1, 2001

This is the first of a series of columns that focuses on the Cane River National Heritage Area.

“Let’s start at the beginning. A very good place to start,” wrote Oscar Hammerstein in lyrics for the popular song “Do-Re-Mi” from The Sound of Music. So let’s do the same—start at the very beginning--in exploring the picturesque places, interesting peoples, and fascinating cultures of the Cane River National Heritage Area.

DO - What is a heritage area?

A heritage area is a congressionally designated region that represents the stories of nationally significant and distinct aspects of America’s heritage. Cane River National Heritage Area is one of twenty-three such regions in the United States.

According to the establishing legislation, Cane River National Heritage Area was created in 1994 “to recognize the value and importance of the Cane River region,” “ to complement the historical park” (Cane River Creole National Historical Park), and “to provide for a culturally sensitive approach to the preservation of the heritage of the Cane River region.”

Other legally specified purposes included helping with the preservation and publicizing of the cultural landscape and traditions of the area, serving as an entity for area residents to assist in preservation and education activities, and minimizing the need for Federal land acquisition and management.

The Cane River National Heritage Area, then, is a designated region that remains in private hands and is administered by a local commission of 19 members and staff. Commissioners represent ethnic groups, preservation associations, landowners, Northwestern State University, businesses and tourism, local communities, governing bodies, and others. Commissioners receive no compensation for their service. Co-chairs, Saidee Newell and Bobby DeBlieux, presently head the commission.

RE - Where is the Cane River National Heritage Area?

As presently designated, the heritage area begins one mile south of Natchitoches and extends vertically down Cane River to Monette’s Ferry. The width of the area reaches approximately one mile on both sides of the river. It also includes the Los Adaes State Historical Area, the Fort Jesup State Historical Area, the Fort St. Jean Baptiste State Historical Area, and the Kate Chopin House in Cloutierville. The area encompasses approximately 40 square miles.

MI - Why was the region designated the Cane River National Heritage Area?

This geographical district represents the intersection of Spanish and French colonial civilizations that produced the Creole culture, a blend of French, Spanish, Native American, and African cultures. Numerous structures, unspoiled landscapes, and traditional folkways remain from colonial days of the Cane River region. This rich gumbo of cultures will be lost unless natural resources are conserved, historic structures are preserved, and the public is educated about the nationally significant and fascinating history of the region.

FA - What are some other national heritage areas and where are they located?

Most of the national heritage areas are in the eastern U. S., and their focuses vary widely. For example, Augusta Canal National Heritage Area of Georgia preserves, develops, and manages the Canal as a public resource. The Essex National Heritage Area of Massachusetts, which includes hundreds of historic sites, relates three stories: early colonial settlement, the early industrial era, and the growth and decline of America’s maritime industry. Silos & Smokestacks of Iowa preserves, promotes, and celebrates America’s agriculture. Tennessee Civil War National Heritage Area, including the entire state, protects and interprets the legacy of the Civil War. Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area tells the story of Big Steel in seven counties of Pennsylvania along the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio rivers.

SO - Are there local advantages to having a nationally designated heritage area?

Yes, most definitely. All heritage areas advocate, facilitate, and celebrate excellence and cooperative initiatives to enhance the quality of life for citizens and their communities. They also attract national and international visitors to their communities, and they provide distinguished examples of sustainable destination development for the nation. Heritage areas educate their key constituencies about successes and opportunities associated with heritage areas. They are involved in natural resource conservation, historic preservation, community revitalization, economic development, recreation enhancement, the arts, folk-life, education, and interpretation as well.

LA - Specifically, how has the Cane River National Heritage Area benefited the Natchitoches region?

Cane River facilitated the Save America’s Treasures Grant, which is currently restoring the Service League’s Prudhomme-Rouquier House and both Yucca House and African House at the Association for the Preservation of Historic Natchitoches’ Melrose Plantation. The Heritage Area also obtained the grant, which initiated restoration of the Train Depot. The Commission designed and erected highway signs, directing tourists to heritage tourism locations. Cane River designed and printed a colorful, attractive map of the region, which is heavily used by tourists. The Commission also made numerous grants for local projects, such as cleanup of the American Cemetery, improvements to the Natchitoches Historic Foundation’s Roque House, restoration of the St. Augustine Historical Society’s Badin-Roque House, educational projects of the Old Courthouse Museum and the Fish Hatchery, to name a few.

TI - How does the Cane River National Heritage Area accomplish its goals?

The Heritage Area collaborates with many partners. Presently the Federal government provides the major financial support for the Area. The National Park Service, the Louisiana Division of the Arts, the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities, and the Great American Station Foundation have supplied grant funding. Cane River National Heritage Area also works with the Cane River Creole National Historical Park, the Association for the Preservation of Historic Natchitoches, the Natchitoches Historic Foundation, the St. Augustine Historical Society, the Louisiana Creole Heritage Center, the City of Natchitoches, , and numerous other entities, as well as private land owners. Through joint efforts, enormous achievements are possible.

“That will bring us back to do!” These are the basics of the Cane River National Heritage Area. It’s telling your story and singing your song.

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