This southeastern U.S. state is located on the Gulf of Mexico. Its history as a melting pot of French, African, American and French-Canadian cultures is reflected in its Creole and Cajun cultures.
The largest city, New Orleans, is known for its colonial-era French Quarter, raucous Mardi Gras festival, jazz music, Renaissance-style St. Louis Cathedral and wartime exhibits at the huge National WWII Museum.
Throughout the history of the state, the blending of race and culture have resulted in the Delta’s own unique flair that brings visitors from around the world seeking to taste their food, hear their music and see their style.
When French explorers first arrived, several diverse tribes populated the area. Many of their population were decimated by disease and war. Natchez, Choctaw or Chitimacha descendants still survive today.
In 1803, Louisiana became territory when the United States completed negotiations with France for the 828,000-mile Louisiana Purchase. It was the first of fifteen states to be carved out of the region.
Within its mysterious gulf, Louisiana holds the secrets of pirates, conflicts of slavery and the paths of progress. The bayou teems with life and stories untold.
Louisiana epitomizes the phrase “melting pot” probably more than any other state.
Throughout the history of the state, Native American, French, Spanish, German, African, Irish and Caribbean cultures have blended in a variety of ways creating a diverse and distinct culture in the bayou.
From the food to the language, the music and history, Cajun (French Canadian or Acadian), Creole (European, African, Caribbean or Spanish mixed ancestry) and even the landscape impact the enchantment that is Louisiana.
The nicknames of Louisiana include Child of the Mississippi, the Creole State, the Pelican State, the Sugar State and the Sportsman's Paradise.
HOW TO OBSERVE
On November 9, join National Day Calendar® as they celebrate Louisiana’s treasures and mysteries. Uncover the hidden gulf coast and find all the adventures Louisiana has to offer! Use #NationalLouisianaDay to share on social media.
"Since when do we have to agree with people to defend them from injustice?" ~Lillian Hellman
For a complete list of Louisiana State and National Parks & Historic Sites, visit www.crt.state.la.us and www.nps.gov. Check out a few of the featured sites around the state below.
NATURE and HISTORY
New Orleans Jazz National Historic Park – New Orleans
Chicot State Park – Ville Platte
Lake Bistineau State Park – Doyline
Palmetto Island – Abbeville
Audubon State Historic Site – St. Francisville
Fort St. Jean Baptiste State Historic Site – Natchitoches
Longfellow-Evangeline State Historic Site – St. Martinville
Winter Quarters State Historic Site – Newellton
MUSEUMS
Louisiana Art & Science Museum – Baton Roug
The National World War II Museum – New Orleans
The New Orleans Jazz Museum – New Orleans
Delta Music Museum & Arcade Theatre – Ferriday
Louisiana's Old State Capitol – Baton Rouge
LSU Rural Life Museum – East Baton Rouge Parish
Southern Food and Beverage Museum – New Orleans
River Road African American Museum – Donaldsonville
Nottoway Resort – White Castel
The Mardi Gras Museum of Costumes and Culture – New Orleans
Ogden Museum of Southern Art – New Orleans
Jungle Gardens – Avery Island
Hidden Treasures
New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum – New Orleans
The Museum of the American Cocktail – New Orleans
Angola Museum at the Louisiana State Penitentiary – St. Francisville
TABASCO® Factory Tours – New Iberia
We also observe these famous figures born in Louisiana of whom are still recognized today for their past accomplishments, heroics, talents, ingenuity and innovations: Alice Heine, Sarah Breedlove, Edith Loeber Ballard, Buddy Bolden, Louis Armstrong, Lillian Hellman, Truman Capote, Ellan Brennan, Fats Domino, Jerry Lee Lewis, Paul Prudhomme, Richard Simmons and Terry Bradshaw.
Visit the link below to see those of notable birth who were not mentioned on the list above.
Here’s to The Bayou State!
#NationalLouisianaDay
@LSUfootball
@LA.State.Parks
@nationalparkservice
@ragincajunsfb
@MardiGras.nola
@PopeyesLouisianaKitchen
@theLASM
@WWIIMuseum
@nolajazzmuseum
@DeltaMusicRocks
@LAOldStateCapitol
@LSURuralLife
@eatdrinksofab
@RiverRoadAfricanAmericanMuseum
@NottowayResort
@themardigrasmuseum
@ogdenmuseum
@JungleGardensAveryIsland
@VoodooMuseum
@AngolaMuseum
@TabascoUS
@RandyNewman
@Tripadvisor
@atlasobscura
@nichecinema
