667. Kass Byrd, Part 2.

667. Part 2 of our conversation with Kathleen Kass Byrd about her book on the history of Natchitoches. "Kathleen M. Byrd’s Natchitoches, Louisiana, 1803–1840 is an examination of one French Creole community as it transitioned from a fur-trading and agricultural settlement under the control of Spain to a critical American outpost on the Spanish/American frontier and finally to a commercial hub and jumping-off point for those heading west. Byrd focuses on historic events in the area and the long-term French Creole residents as they adapted to the American presence. She also examines the effect of the arrival of the Americans, with their Indian trading house and Indian agency, on Native groups and considers how members of the enslaved population took advantage of opportunities for escape presented by a new international border. Byrd shows how the arrival of Americans forever changed Natchitoches, transforming it from a sleepy frontier settlement into a regional commercial center and staging point for pioneers heading into Texas" (LSU Pr.). Kathleen M. Byrd (nicknamed Kass) is a distinguished anthropologist, archaeologist, and historian specializing in the history and prehistory of Louisiana, particularly the Natchitoches region. A native of Connecticut, she earned her B.A. from Marquette University, an M.A. from LSU (focusing on coastal subsistence patterns), and a Ph.D. from the University of Florida. She served as Louisiana's state archaeologist for 15 years before joining Northwestern State University (NSU) in Natchitoches in 1994, where she later became director of the School of Social Sciences for 12 years until her retirement. 

1. Now available: Liberty in Louisiana: A Comedy. The oldest play about Louisiana, author James Workman wrote it as a celebration of the Louisiana Purchase. Now it is back in print for the first time in 222 years. Order your copy today!
2. This week in the Louisiana Anthology. Jim Kjelgaard. Swamp Cat.
       Frosty's heritage, in great measure, came from his renegade father. Incapable of fearing anything, he was sufficient unto himself and he'd known that from the first day he'd opened his eyes and looked around the shed. There was not and never would be a situation with which he could not cope or a foe from whom he would run in panic. His self-confidence was almost as vast as his curiosity. He would stand alone, or with kindred spirits. Never would he place himself at the mercy of, or pay homage to, one who was not kindred.
       He liked the woman. She was unfailingly kind and gentle. She knew exactly how to pet him and she ' a small point ' brought his food. But he would not, as the gray kittens did, unbend so far as to met her at the door. She was not his superior.
   
3. This week in Louisiana history. February 27, 1827. New Orleans kicks off its first Mardi Gras.
4. This week in New Orleans history. Mardi Gras Day was cancelled on February 27, 1979 due to the New Orleans Police strike.  Some Orleans Parish parades were rescheduled in Jefferson Parish.
   
5. This week in Louisiana.
   Kisatchie National Forest ' Valentine Lake Recreation Area
   Valentine Lake Road
   Forest Hill, LA 71430
   Open year‑round; February is ideal for cool‑weather hiking and quiet lakeside visits
   Website: fs.usda.gov/kisatchie
   Email: KNFinfo@usda.gov
   Phone: (318) 473‑7160
   Valentine Lake is one of Kisatchie's most peaceful recreation areas, offering scenic trails, birdwatching, and lakeside relaxation during the mild late‑winter season:
   
• Valentine Lake Trail: A 3.4‑mile loop through longleaf pine forest with excellent wildlife viewing.
• Picnic & Day‑Use Areas: Shaded spots along the shoreline, perfect for quiet afternoons.
• Fishing Access: The 46‑acre lake is stocked with bass, bream, and catfish.
• No fee for entry. There is a small fee for camping.
6. Postcards from Louisiana. Sporty's Brass Band.

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