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History of Louisiana, USA
Journey back in time to Louisiana, USA
Explore the history, people, photographs, newspapers, postcards, and genealogy connected to Louisiana, USA.
About Louisiana
In Louisiana, biting someone with your natural teeth is considered a simple assault, but biting someone with your false teeth is considered an aggravated assault.
Louisiana is the only state in the union that does not have counties. Its political subdivisions are called parishes.
Louisiana is the only state with a large population of Cajuns, descendants of the Acadians who were driven out of Canada in the 1700s because they wouldn't pledge allegiance to the King of England.
50states.com
There is a myth that beginning in 1755 and lasting for several years, Acadians from Canada were deported by the English and sent DIRECTLY to Louisiana. This is NOT true. The Acadians who ended up in Louisiana were mostly deported to Maryland and Pennsylvania. Years later, they left Maryland for Louisiana. At that time, Louisiana was part of Spain.
Story of Acadians, Episode 1, Shaw Community Link
A Louisiana Christmas feast often includes Creole Gumbo. It can include ham, veal, chicken, shrimp, oysters and crabmeat. worldholidaytraditions.com
A last-second home-team touchdown at Louisiana State University in 1988 sent the fans into such a frenzy that the victory registered as an earthquake on a local seismograph. rd.com
"Louisiana comes from the French La Louisiane, or "Land of Louis." It was named for Louis XIV, the King of France from 1643 to 1715." mentalfloss.com
Louisiana Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards

"The Roosevelt New Orleans in New Orleans, Louisiana, is a 504-room hotel owned by Dimension Development and managed by Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts. The hotel was originally built by Louis Grunewald, a German immigrant, and opened in 1893 as "The Hotel Grunewald."
The original hotel building was six stories tall and faced Baronne Street. It was built after Grunewald's Music Hall was destroyed by fire in 1862. The building housed 200 rooms and opened in December 1893 to be ready for the 1894 New Orleans Mardi Gras season. The decision to build a hotel proved to be very sound as the other major hotel in the city, the St. Charles Hotel, was destroyed by fire soon after the Grunewald opened..." wikipedia

"The Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center is a historic hotel in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, originally built in 1927 as the Heidelberg Hotel. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. The Heidelberg Hotel was a favorite dwelling of Louisiana Governor Huey Long, who had a seventh-floor suite. For a time it was known as the Capitol House Hotel, when under the management of former State Representative Chris Faser, Jr. Huey P. Long, John F. Kennedy, Hubert Humphrey, Jimmy Carter, Will Rogers, and Fidel Castro were all guests of the hotel..." wikipedia
Genealogy gifts & optional resources
Genealogy Gifts & Resources Related to LOUISIANA

LOUISIANA Love Bayou Boat Rides Mug – I'm From Louisiana!
Sip your morning coffee with a side of Southern charm! Our ceramic mug proudly proclaims, "I'm from Louisiana! That explains a lot about my love for bayou boat rides where the mosquitoes are bigger than the fish." Perfect for those who cherish the unique adventures of Louisiana life. Whether you’re reminiscing about a swamp tour or just love a good laugh about the local wildlife, this mug will make your coffee breaks a bit more fun and definitely more Southern.
Discover Louisiana: History, News, Travel, and Stories
Explore the events, newspaper stories, people, and moments that shaped Louisiana through the years.
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 ...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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...
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.
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.
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.
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...
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....
Discover YOUR Roots: Louisiana Ancestry
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Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Louisiana, USA
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