Louisiana is a state of river country, living cultures, extraordinary food, music, and history at the Gulf’s edge.
15 Essential Facts About Louisiana
1. Louisiana became the 18th state on April 30, 1812.
Louisiana became the 18th state on April 30, 1812.
2. Baton Rouge is the capital and New Orleans is the largest city.
Baton Rouge is the capital and New Orleans is the largest city.
3. The Pelican State nickname appears on its flag and seal.
The Pelican State nickname appears on its flag and seal.
4. New Orleans is famous for jazz, Creole culture, and Mardi Gras.
New Orleans is famous for jazz, Creole culture, and Mardi Gras.
5. The Mississippi River shapes the state’s economy and geography.
The Mississippi River shapes the state’s economy and geography.
6. Louisiana has parishes rather than counties.
Louisiana has parishes rather than counties.
7. The French Quarter preserves layers of colonial history.
The French Quarter preserves layers of colonial history.
8. Cajun and Creole cultures are central to Louisiana identity.
Cajun and Creole cultures are central to Louisiana identity.
9. The state motto is Union, Justice, and Confidence.
The state motto is Union, Justice, and Confidence.
10. The bayou landscape supports rich wetlands and wildlife.
The bayou landscape supports rich wetlands and wildlife.
11. Hurricane risk has shaped its coastal communities.
Hurricane risk has shaped its coastal communities.
12. Louisiana cuisine includes gumbo, jambalaya, and étouffée.
Louisiana cuisine includes gumbo, jambalaya, and étouffée.
13. The Port of South Louisiana is a major freight corridor.
The Port of South Louisiana is a major freight corridor.
14. The Atchafalaya Basin is the nation’s largest river swamp.
The Atchafalaya Basin is the nation’s largest river swamp.
15. Louisiana connects Gulf Coast, Caribbean, French, African, and American histories.
Louisiana connects Gulf Coast, Caribbean, French, African, and American histories.