Church of the Immaculate Conception ~ Natchitoches, Louisiana

The history of the Immaculate Conception Church began in 1716 or 1717 when the Franciscan Friar Antonio Margil de Jesus walked 21 miles from the Spanish mission at Los Adaes to say mass at the French Fort St. Jean Baptiste in Natchitoches.  Five church buildings preceded the present one which was constructed in 1856.  The church was proclaimed a minor basilica by apostolic decree from Pope Benedict in January 2010.  The red building in the background to the left is the old Natchitoches Parish courthouse which is now a museum.  I did not have an opportunity to take any other photos or visit the museum.  It's on my list for the next trip.