The American Cyclopædia (1879)/Natchitoches (tribe)

NATCHITOCHES, a tribe of American Indians, allied to the Caddoes, and formerly residing on Red river, Louisiana, with a fortified town on an island. The Washitas and Capichis were united with them. They worshipped the sun, had a temple with perpetual fire, and made salt at a neighboring lake, which they traded to other tribes for grain and skins. They were always friendly to the French, who planted a fort near them. This led to an attack on them by the fugitive Natchez in 1731. They gradually united with the Caddoes, forming a band of that tribe.