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Cane River Cachet - September 2, 2001
By Ada D. Jarred
Ira Gershwin?s refrain for the song ?Let?s Call the Whole Thing Off!? lilts:
You say eether and I say eyether,
You say neether and I say nyther;
Eether, eyether, neether, nyther -
Let?s call the whole thing off!
You like potato and I like po-tah-to,
You like tomato and I like to-mah-to;
Potato, po-tah-to, tomato, to-mah-to -
Let?s call the whole thing off!
Similar confusion persists about the Cane River National Heritage Area and Cane River Creole National Historical Park. Congress authorized both under the same piece of legislation in 1994, but perplexity over the distinguishing features of the two units remains. Let?s examine the similarities and differences to understand the nature of each.
The creation of both entities was based on recognition of:
(1) Natchitoches, established in 1714, as the oldest permanent settlement in the Louisiana Purchase territory;
(2) the Cane River region as the place where Creole culture developed from French, Spanish, African, and Native American intermingling;
(3) the Cane River, originally a segment of the Red River, as a point of early settlement and transportation, commercial, and communication route for the colony;
(4) the area as the site of numerous Creole structures and landscapes in complexes with integrity;
(5) the area as the provider of a variety of historical features in both urban and rural settings, which offer a base for understanding history of the region;
(6) the area as the location of numerous national historic landmarks;
(7) the area as a site which has benefited from concentration on historic preservation by individuals and organizations; and
(8) the complex and wide reaching preservation and educational needs of the region.
It may be that this common historical and theoretical base leads to the confusion between the two entities. Nevertheless, each unit is separate and distinct.
For example, Cane River National Heritage Area is a designated region reaching south of Natchitoches down Cane River, which remains in the hands of private landowners. Cane River Creole National Historical Park, on the other hand, includes two specific tracts of land owned by the American people and under the care of the National Park Service: Oakland Plantation and part of Magnolia Plantation. The park is encompassed within the heritage area.
The purposes of the two units also reflect their similarities and differences. Both are intended to highlight the significance of the Cane River Creole culture as a nationally important cultural element of the U. S. Cane River Creole National Historical Park is designed to serve as a federal focal point for interpretive and educational programs on the history of the area and to help preserve historic sites along the river. Superintendent Laura Soullière states that the park?s mission is to preserve the resources and the cultural landscapes of the Cane River area, and to enhance the understanding of Cane River?s peoples and traditions.
Cane River National Heritage Area?s mission is to complement the historical park and to provide for a culturally sensitive approach to the preservation of the heritage of the Cane River region. Nancy Morgan, Executive Director of the Cane River National Heritage Area Commission, emphasizes the importance of state, local, and federal partnerships in accomplishing that mission. The commission partners with local governments, communities, settlements, preservation organizations, and private landowners, involving local groups and landowners in heritage area programming.
Both the park and the heritage area are intended to help preserve and interpret the cultures and diverse history of the Natchitoches region. Notice, however, that ?Creole? is specified in the name of the park and is not in the designation of the heritage area. This difference signifies the variety of cultures and traditions that exist within the larger heritage area, as well as the call for a ?culturally sensitive approach? to preservation of the heritage of the region.
Both entities utilize cooperative agreements in coordinating with local groups and individuals. The park provides technical assistance to landowners from its staff of qualified experts. The heritage area, with a much smaller staff, operates as a framework to assist in preservation and educational activities. Sometimes this assistance comes in the form of financial grants for heritage preservation and educational efforts.
Administration of the two units differs widely. The Cane River National Heritage Area Commission of 19 members provides guidance to the heritage area and its staff of two persons, an executive director and a part-time administrative assistant. The Cane River Creole National Historical Park, on the other hand, is directed by a superintendent and staffed with a group of persons, including architects, interpreters, preservation specialists, and laborers.
Both entities are funded by Congress and operate under the umbrella of the National Park Service. However, though the park will remain under this jurisdiction, the heritage area, through its partnerships with other organizations, eventually is expected to determine other management entities that might take over its responsibilities. The Cane River National Heritage Area Commission was appointed for 10 years; an extension of five years may be granted.
Another similarity of the two entities is their assignment of preparation of management plans. Cane River Creole National Historical Park?s plan--including a visitor use plan, programs and management actions, and preservation and use plans for sites and structures--was recently approved. The Cane River National Heritage Area?s plan is under development; public hearings on the plan will be held next month. The proposal will include an inventory of properties and landscapes that should be preserved because of their significance, an analysis of current land uses and how they affect preservation, an interpretive plan to address the cultural and natural history of the area, recommendations for cooperation with governments, and an implementation program for the plan. The public is encouraged to attend the meetings, scheduled for Tuesday, October 23, from 2-4 PM at the Natchitoches Arts Center and from 6-8 PM at the St. Augustine church hall.
Gershwin?s lyric continues:
But oh, if we call the whole thing off, then we must part.
And oh, if we ever part, then that might break my heart....
Despite the confusion, Natchitoches certainly doesn?t want to call off Cane River National Heritage Area or Cane River Creole National Historical Park. The units operate both independently and in concert for the good of the region. The federal government now acknowledges heritage tourism as a $50 billion segment of the $600 billion U. S. travel industry. The heritage area and the park are key elements in increasing Natchitoches? share of that $50 billion.
Cane River National Heritage Area and Cane River Creole National Historical Park are telling your story and singing your song.
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