History of Louisiana, USA

1682 - Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle, claims vast Louisiana region for France
In 1682, French explorer Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle, embarked on an expedition that would lead to the claiming of a vast region in North America for France. Setting out from the Great Lakes region, La Salle and his team journeyed down the Mississippi River, eventually reaching the Gulf of Mexico. Upon reaching the mouth of the river on April 9, 1682, La Salle ceremoniously planted a cross and a column bearing the arms of France, claiming the entire Mississippi River valley and its tributaries, along with the surrounding lands, in the name of King Louis XIV. This claim encompassed a vast territory that would later become known as Louisiana, named in honor of the French king.

La Salle's claim of the Louisiana region was a significant event in the history of North America, as it laid the foundation for France's colonial ambitions in the region. The French presence in Louisiana would eventually lead to the establishment of settlements and trading posts, shaping the cultural and ... Read MORE...

1699 - Pierre Le Moyne d'Iberville establishes France's first permanent settlement in Louisiana in what is now the southernmost portion of Alabama.
In 1699, Pierre Le Moyne d'Iberville, a French-Canadian explorer and soldier, established France's first permanent settlement in the region that would later become the southernmost portion of Alabama. This event marked the beginning of French colonization in the area and laid the foundation for the development of the French presence in the Gulf Coast region of North America.

D'Iberville's expedition was part of France's efforts to expand its colonial empire and control strategic trade routes. The settlement, known as Fort Maurepas, served as a trading post and military outpost, aimed at securing French interests in the region and establishing a foothold for further expansion.

1700 - Louisiana is part of the Spanish Empire
In 1700, Louisiana became part of the Spanish Empire as a result of the Treaty of Ryswick, which ended the Nine Years' War. Prior to this, the region had been under French control, but following the treaty, the French ceded the territory to Spain. This change in ownership marked a significant shift in the governance and culture of Louisiana, as Spanish influence began to shape the region.

Under Spanish rule, Louisiana experienced a period of growth and development. The Spanish implemented policies to encourage settlement and economic development, leading to an influx of settlers from Spain, France, and other European countries, as well as enslaved Africans. The Spanish also sought to strengthen their control over the region by establishing forts and military outposts. Additionally, Spanish rule brought about changes in governance, with the introduction of Spanish laws and administration.

1716 - June 6 - 1st slaves arrive in Louisiana
On June 6, 1716, the first enslaved Africans arrived in Louisiana, marking a pivotal moment in the history of the region. The introduction of slavery to Louisiana was part of a broader pattern of European colonization and exploitation of the Americas. The arrival of these enslaved individuals laid the foundation for the plantation economy that would come to dominate Louisiana's economy in the following centuries.
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1717 - French banker John Law's Mississippi Company sets up business in Louisiana and the Mississippi River basin.
In 1717, the French banker John Law's Mississippi Company established its operations in Louisiana, a region of North America that was at the time a French colony. Law had been granted a charter by the French government to develop the colony, which included the lucrative Mississippi River basin. The Mississippi Company was part of Law's larger economic reform plan for France, which aimed to alleviate the country's financial troubles by exploiting the resources of its overseas territories.

Under Law's direction, the Mississippi Company began to attract investors by offering shares in the company and promising high returns. This led to a speculative frenzy, with many people in France and other European countries investing heavily in the company's shares. The Mississippi Bubble, as it came to be known, eventually burst in 1720, leading to a major financial crisis in France and the collapse of the company.

Acadians
Contrary to popular belief, no Acadians were deported to Louisiana since it was under French control and then under Spanish control from 1762. It is by their own means that Acadians deported in the southern states of the United States will go to Louisiana, believing to be established in French territory. In 1763, the Acadians who had been sent to England were repatriated to France where, along with the others who had been deported there, they went to Louisiana in 1785 at the invitation of Spain, which controlled Louisiana at that time.
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1764 - The first Acadians (20) arrive in Louisiana from New York via Mobile.
In 1764, a significant event took place as the first group of Acadians, numbering around 20 individuals, arrived in Louisiana. These Acadians had been displaced from their homeland in Acadia (now Nova Scotia) during the Great Expulsion, also known as the Acadian Expulsion, which occurred between 1755 and 1763. This forced migration was part of the British government's efforts to control the region and saw thousands of Acadians deported from their homes.

The Acadians who arrived in Louisiana did so via New York and Mobile, showcasing the long and arduous journey they undertook to find a new home. Their arrival marked the beginning of a new chapter for the Acadian people, as they sought to rebuild their lives and communities in a new land.
www.acadian-cajun.com/ acadtime.htm

1765 - The first Acadians begin to settle in Louisiana.
In 1765, the first Acadians, descendants of French settlers in Canada, began to settle in Louisiana, marking a significant chapter in both Acadian and American history. These Acadians, also known as Cajuns, were forced out of their homeland in Nova Scotia, Canada, during the mid-18th century in what became known as the Great Expulsion or Le Grand Dérangement. The British, who then controlled Nova Scotia, sought to assert their authority and loyalty by displacing the French-speaking Catholic Acadians, leading to a tragic and disruptive period in Acadian history.

Arriving in Louisiana, the Acadians found a region with a familiar French cultural influence due to its colonial history. They settled in areas such as the Acadiana region, including places like Lafayette, St. Martinville, and New Iberia, where their descendants continue to live today.
www.acadian-cajun.com/ acadtime.htm

1785 - Spain provides 7 ships to carry over 1600 Acadians from France to Louisiana.

In 1785, Spain facilitated a significant migration of Acadians, French-speaking residents of Acadia (present-day Maritime provinces of Canada), who had been displaced from their homeland due to various conflicts and colonial politics. Spain, then in control of Louisiana, offered seven ships to transport over 1600 Acadians from France to Louisiana, a region they hoped would provide a new home and opportunity for the displaced population. This migration was part of a larger pattern of movement for the Acadians, who had been subjected to forced deportations from Acadia by the British in the mid-18th century, resulting in their dispersal across the Atlantic.

The arrival of the Acadians in Louisiana contributed to the cultural tapestry of the region, blending their French heritage with the existing Creole and Spanish influences.
www.acadian-cajun.com/ acadtime.htm

1800 - Spain ceded Louisiana back to France
In 1800, a significant historical event unfolded as Spain ceded the vast territory of Louisiana back to France. This transfer of ownership occurred as part of a secret treaty, the Treaty of San Ildefonso, between Spain and France. The agreement, negotiated by diplomats in the midst of European power dynamics, effectively reversed the 1800 Treaty of San Lorenzo, also known as Pinckney's Treaty, which had granted the United States access to the important port of New Orleans for trade.

The return of Louisiana to French control, under the leadership of Napoleon Bonaparte, raised concerns and uncertainties among the American government and populace. The prospect of a powerful and ambitious leader like Napoleon controlling such a vast expanse of land in the heart of North America fueled anxieties about the future of American interests in the region.
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1803 - U. S. purchased Louisiana Territory
In 1803, the United States made one of its most significant territorial acquisitions by purchasing the Louisiana Territory from France. The territory, which spanned from the Mississippi River to the Rocky Mountains and from the Gulf of Mexico to the Canadian border, nearly doubled the size of the young nation. The purchase was negotiated by President Thomas Jefferson's administration and was finalized in a treaty signed in Paris on April 30, 1803. The acquisition of this vast land area had far-reaching consequences for the United States, shaping its expansion westward and setting the stage for future territorial acquisitions and conflicts.

The Louisiana Purchase was prompted by several factors, including the desire for territorial expansion, access to the important port of New Orleans, and the need to secure the Mississippi River for trade. The purchase price of $15 million was a remarkable deal, effectively costing the U.S. less than three cents per acre.
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1812 - Louisiana became 18th state

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1815 - British defeated by Andrew Jackson in Battle of New Orleans

The Battle of New Orleans in 1815 was a pivotal event in American history, marking the final major battle of the War of 1812 between the United States and Great Britain. The battle took place from January 8 to January 18, 1815, primarily fought between British forces under General Edward Pakenham and American forces led by General Andrew Jackson. Despite being outnumbered and outgunned, Jackson's forces achieved a decisive victory, which elevated Jackson to national fame and solidified his status as a military hero.

The battle is particularly notable for its timing, as it occurred after the Treaty of Ghent had been signed in December 1814, officially ending the war. However, news of the treaty's signing had not yet reached the combatants in Louisiana, leading to the continuation of hostilities.
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Read more about Andrew JACKSON

1856 - August 10 – A hurricane destroys Last Island, Louisiana, leaving 400 dead. The whole island is broken up into several smaller islands by the storm.

The hurricane that struck Last Island, Louisiana, on August 10, 1856, was a devastating event that left a profound impact on the region. Last Island was a popular resort destination, known for its beautiful beaches and luxurious hotels. However, the hurricane's ferocity and destructive power were unprecedented, leading to the complete destruction of the island and claiming the lives of around 400 people.

The storm was so intense that it not only destroyed Last Island but also broke it up into several smaller islands. This transformation of the landscape was a stark reminder of the raw power of nature and the vulnerability of coastal communities to such natural disasters.
August 10, 1856

1861 - January 26 - Louisiana seceded from Union; joined the Confederacy
On January 26, 1861, Louisiana seceded from the Union, becoming the sixth state to do so following the election of President Abraham Lincoln. The secession was driven by a combination of factors, including concerns over states' rights, the preservation of slavery, and a growing sense of Southern nationalism. Louisiana's economy was heavily reliant on agriculture, particularly cotton, which was cultivated using slave labor, further aligning its interests with the pro-slavery stance of the Confederacy.

After seceding, Louisiana joined the Confederate States of America, which had been established just a few weeks earlier. This move solidified the state's commitment to the Confederate cause and its willingness to engage in the American Civil War that followed. Louisiana would play a significant role in the war, with its strategic location along the Mississippi River and its important port cities making it a key battleground in the conflict.
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1874 - Severe flooding occurred throughout the state (Louisiana)

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1893 - Hurricane killed over 2,000 in Louisiana and Mississippi
The hurricane of 1893, also known as the "Sea Islands Hurricane," struck the Gulf Coast of the United States with devastating force, particularly affecting Louisiana and Mississippi. It made landfall on August 27, 1893, and brought with it powerful winds and a storm surge that inundated coastal areas. The storm's impact was catastrophic, causing widespread destruction and claiming the lives of over 2,000 people.
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1895 - Louisiana
Louisiana, loo-ee-ze-ah'na (named in honor of Louis XIV. of France), one of the Gulf States of the American Union, is bounded N. by Arkansas and Mississippi, E. by Mississippi and the Gulf of Mexico, S. by the Gulf of Mexico, and W. by Texas. On the N. it is limited partly by the 31st and partly by the 33d degree of N. lat. The rivers Mississippi and Pearl wash its eastern borders, and on the W. it has the 94th degree of W. lon, for its limit from the N.W. angle of the state southward to the river Sabine, which stream is thenceforth its western boundary to the gulf. Area, 48,720 square miles, of which 45,420 miles are land, and 3300 square miles water surface...

Population.—Colonized chiefly by the French, and in later times by the Spanish, there still remain thousands of descendants of the original colonists, and the French language is habitually spoken by many of the people. The inhabitants of French descent, called Creoles (which term in this state does not imply any admixture... Read MORE...

1927 - Floods devastated 1,300,000 acres, 300,000 left homeless (Louisiana)
The 1927 floods in Louisiana were one of the most devastating natural disasters in the state's history. The floods were caused by heavy rainfalls that swelled the Mississippi River to record levels, breaching levees and inundating vast areas of land. Approximately 1,300,000 acres of land were submerged, leaving an estimated 300,000 people homeless.

The impact of the floods was widespread, affecting not only Louisiana but also parts of Mississippi, Arkansas, and other states along the Mississippi River. The flooding destroyed homes, crops, and infrastructure, leading to significant economic losses. The response to the floods highlighted the challenges of coordinating relief efforts and providing aid to the thousands of people affected.
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1956 - Longest over-water bridge in world - Lake Pontchartrain Causeway opened
In 1956, a significant engineering feat was accomplished with the opening of the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway in Louisiana, USA. This event marked the completion of the longest over-water bridge in the world at that time. Stretching across Lake Pontchartrain, the causeway connected the cities of Metairie and Mandeville, spanning a distance of about 24 miles (38.4 kilometers). The bridge provided a crucial transportation link, significantly reducing travel times between the north and south shores of the lake, which had previously required lengthy detours around the lake or ferry crossings.

The Lake Pontchartrain Causeway was a remarkable example of mid-20th century engineering, showcasing advances in bridge construction and transportation infrastructure. Its construction required innovative techniques and materials to withstand the challenges of building such a long bridge over water.
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1957 - June 27 - Hurricane Audrey smashed ashore at Cameron, LA, drowning 390 persons in the storm tide, and causing 150 million dollars damage in Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi.
Audrey left only a brick courthouse and a cement-block icehouse standing at Cameron, and when the waters settled in the town of Crede, only four buildings remained. The powerful winds of Audrey tossed a fishing boat weighing 78 tons onto an off-shore drilling platform. Winds along the coast gusted to 105 mph, and oil rigs off the Louisiana coast reported wind gusts to 180 mph. A storm surge greater than twelve feet inundated the Louisiana coast as much as 25 miles inland. It was the deadliest June hurricane of record for the U.S.
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June 27, 1957

1969 - Hurricane Camille struck, killed 250 people
In August 1969, Hurricane Camille made landfall along the Gulf Coast of the United States, devastating coastal communities in Mississippi, Louisiana, and Alabama. Camille was a Category 5 hurricane, the most powerful on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, with winds reaching over 175 miles per hour. The storm surge and heavy rainfall led to severe flooding, destroying homes, businesses, and infrastructure along the coast.

Camille's impact was particularly severe in Mississippi, where the storm surge reached over 24 feet in some areas, causing widespread destruction and claiming many lives. The hurricane then moved inland, weakening as it traveled northeast, but still causing significant damage and loss of life. Overall, Hurricane Camille is estimated to have killed around 250 people and caused billions of dollars in damage, making it one of the most destructive hurricanes in U.S. history.
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1987 - June 19 - The Supreme Court strikes down the Louisiana law that requires that schools teach creationism.
On June 19, 1987, a significant ruling by the Supreme Court of the United States struck down the Louisiana law that mandated the teaching of creationism alongside evolution in public schools. The law, known as the "Louisiana Balanced Treatment Act," required that if evolution was taught, then creationism must also be taught as a scientific alternative. This decision was a pivotal moment in the ongoing debate over the separation of church and state in education.

The Supreme Court's ruling in the case of Edwards v. Aguillard was based on the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which prohibits the government from establishing an official religion or favoring one religion over another. The Court held that the Louisiana law violated this clause by promoting a particular religious belief (creationism) in public school science classes. This decision reaffirmed the principle that public schools should teach scientific theories supported by empirical... Read MORE...

2023 - Louisiana has something to offer everyone. Here's a list of places to go and things to do in the Pelican State:
1. New Orleans:

French Quarter: Explore the historic heart of the city with its iconic architecture, lively street performers, and vibrant nightlife.

Bourbon Street: Famous for its nightlife, it's a must-visit for party-goers and those looking to enjoy live music and cocktails.

Garden District: Stroll through this picturesque neighborhood, known for its beautiful mansions and oak-lined streets.

Café du Monde: Satisfy your sweet tooth with beignets and café au lait at this iconic French Quarter cafe.

Mardi Gras: If you visit in February or early March, don't miss the world-famous Mardi Gras celebrations.

2. Baton Rouge:

Louisiana State Capitol: Visit the towering State Capitol building and explore its beautiful gardens.

Louisiana Art & Science Museum: A great place for families, featuring interactive exhibits and a planetarium.

Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center: Discover the natural beauty of Louisiana through hiking trails and wildlife exhibits.

3.... Read MORE...