Natchitoches, LA–The City of Natchitoches, Cane River National Heritage Area, Cane River Creole National Historical Park, and DSW Construction hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for the Texas and Pacific Railway Depot Rehabilitation Project on Thursday, January 13, 2022.
Congress created the Cane River National Heritage Area in 1994 to recognize and protect the region’s diverse and nationally significant heritage. Since that time, the Heritage Area team has used a grassroots, community-driven approach to further heritage conservation and economic development in the Natchitoches area. By cultivating public-private partnerships, the Cane River National Heritage Area has invested more than $5.9 million in funding to support 375 projects in the region in critical areas, including Historic Preservation, Cultural Conservation, Outdoor Recreation & Conservation, Capacity Building, and Heritage Tourism.
The Texas and Pacific Railway Depot was constructed in 1927 and closed its doors to passenger rail transportation in the 1960s, encapsulating its segregated entrances and waiting rooms. Today, the structure remains one of the last segregated train stations within Louisiana and has a deep connection to the City’s African American community
“For nearly four decades the community of Natchitoches has tried to preserve and rehabilitate the Depot into a museum that depicts the stories of African Americans in Natchitoches,” remarked Rebecca Blankenbaker, Executive Director of Cane River National Heritage Area.“Today is a celebration of all those individuals and partner organizations who shared their energy and passion to see this project through,” continued Blankenbaker. Early efforts by the Cane River National Heritage Area in 2001, 2007, and 2015 stabilized the structure until a future use could be determined.
The groundbreaking marks the beginning of the rehabilitation of the Depot to house new park offices, a visitor centre, and a community lecture hall/theatre for the Cane River Creole National Historical Park. “We are honoured to be able to tell the difficult story of slavery and segregation to Civil Rights within the walls of the Depot, where we can tell all the stories of all people of Natchitoches,” commented Carrie Mardorf, Superintendent of Cane River Creole National Historical Park.“Since the Depot’s construction in 1927, 95 years ago, the building withstood decades of use, followed by long periods of neglect, and limited repairs. We are incredibly grateful to be a partner in this project and are excited to be the building’s new stewards and tenants for the next 95 years,” continued Mardorf.
In 2019, the City of Natchitoches, who owns the Texas and Pacific Railway Depot, signed a lease with the National Park Service. Cane River Creole National Historical Park granted the park use of the building as a visitor centre and headquarters. “On behalf of the City of Natchitoches, we are excited to embark on this project with the National Park Service, DSW Construction, and Cane River National Heritage Area,” remarked Mayor Ronnie Williams, Jr. He continued his remarks stating, “Not only will this rehabilitation project serve to spark more community revitalization efforts in the surrounding area, but also encourage economic development in West Natchitoches.”
Additional speakers included Claire Prymus with the Ben D. Johnson Educational Center, Edward Ward, Jr. with the Natchitoches Black Heritage Committee, Randy LaCaze with the City of Natchitoches Office of Community Development, and David Mains, Owner of DSW Construction.