Louisiana Pictures and Facts (2024)

The French Quarter, marked by beautiful architecture, is the oldest neighborhood in New Orleans.

The French Quarter, marked by beautiful architecture, is the oldest neighborhood in New Orleans.

Photograph by GTS Productions, Shutterstock

Get facts and photos about the 18th state.

HISTORY

People first arrived in the area now called Louisiana around 12,000 years ago. During its history Native American tribes lived on the land including the Atakapa, Choctaw, Chitimacha, Natchez, and Tunica lived on the land.

In 1541 explorer Hernando de Soto claimed the territory for Spain. Then in 1682 France took possesion of the region. Ownership of the land would go back and forth between these nations until the United States bought the area that would become Louisiana from France in 1803 as part of the Louisiana Purchase. In 1812 Louisiana became the 18th state.

The city of New Orleans was founded in 1718, and just a few years later many African people were brought to the city as slaves. The mix of African, French, and Spanish influences gave Louisiana, and particularly the city of New Orleans, a unique culture.

In 1861, during the Civil War, Louisiana left the Union. It rejoined the United States in 1868. Today the Chitimacha, Coushatta, Jena Band of Choctaw Indians, and Tunica-Biloxi tribes still live in this state.

WHY’S IT CALLED THAT?

Louisiana was named after King Louis XIV when the land was claimed for France in 1682.

Louisiana is called the Pelican State because of its state bird.

GEOGRAPHY AND LANDFORMS

Louisiana Pictures and Facts (1)

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Louisiana is bordered by Arkansas in the north, Mississippi and the Gulf of Mexico in the east, the Gulf of Mexico in the south, and Texas in the west. The state can be divided into three geographic regions.

The East Gulf Coastal Plain is the low land east of the Mississippi River. It’s marshy near the river and becomes hilly in the north.

The Mississippi Alluvial Plain runs west of the Mississippi River from Arkansas in the north down to the Gulf of Mexico. Ridges topped by fields called frontlands run along the river, and fields called backlands (with very fertile silt and clay) slope away. Wetlands cover the southern coastline.

Farthest west is the West Gulf Coastal Plain, which runs from Arkansas to the southernmost part of the state. Louisiana’s highest point, Driskill Mountain, is in the northern part of this region. Going south, the land slopes down to become prairie, then marshland, and eventually the sandy islands that border the coastline called barrier beaches.

WILDLIFE

Louisiana Pictures and Facts (2)

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Coyotes, American beavers, muskrats, and swamp rabbits are some of Louisiana’s mammals. The state’s best-known reptilemight be the American alligator. But the area is also home to alligator snapping turtles, constrictors called Louisiana pine snakes, and venomous harlequin coral snakes. Bright pink roseate spoonbills, yellow-crowned night-herons, Louisiana waterthrushes, and purple gallinules are among Louisiana’s many birds. Southern toads, crawfish frogs, and Louisiana slimy salamanders are a few of the state’s amphibians.

Pecan, Louisiana hickory, magnolia, live oak and bald cypress (the state tree) are among Louisiana’s most common trees. Plants and flowers that grow in Louisiana include little brown jug, American hogpeanut, and sensitive partridge pea.

NATURAL RESOURCES

Louisiana’s top natural resources include fertile soil, natural gas, and oil. Louisiana is also the biggest U.S. producer of salt.

FUN STUFF

—Famous folks from the Pelican State include civil rights activist Madam C.J. Walker, talk show host Ellen DeGeneres, and many jazz and blues performers such as Fats Domino, Louis Armstrong, and Jelly Roll Morton.

—Louisiana is known for its unique Creole (a mix of Spanish, French, African, and other) cuisine, including Jambalaya—a mixture of spicy rice, meat, and seafood.

—Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve includes a War of 1812 battlefield with reenactments and a national cemetery; a wetland preserve (where Louisiana’s state bird, the brown pelican, can be spotted); and several cultural centers that tell the history of Louisiana’s people, art and music.

—Reptiles must be kept at least 200 yards away from the Mardi Gras parade route.

Louisiana Pictures and Facts (2024)

FAQs

Louisiana Pictures and Facts? ›

What Is Louisiana Known For? Louisiana is famous for its Cajun and Creole cuisine, Mardi Gras celebrations, diverse cultural heritage, bayous, jazz music, and as the birthplace of American blues. The state also has strong French colonial influences.

What are 3 things Louisiana is famous for? ›

What Is Louisiana Known For? Louisiana is famous for its Cajun and Creole cuisine, Mardi Gras celebrations, diverse cultural heritage, bayous, jazz music, and as the birthplace of American blues. The state also has strong French colonial influences.

What is the best thing about living in Louisiana? ›

10 Pros and Cons of Living in Louisiana
  • Pro: Very low cost of living.
  • Pro: A cultural mecca.
  • Pro: Stunning outdoor attractions.
  • Con: Extreme weather and wildlife.
  • Pro: Diverse population.
  • Con: Crime and discrimination.
  • Con: Poverty and lower standard of living.
  • Con: Below-average state economy.
Jan 17, 2023

What is Louisiana rich in? ›

Including offshore drilling in federal waters, Louisiana ranks high in the production of both crude petroleum and natural gas.

What is the most famous dish in Louisiana? ›

Fun fact: gumbo is the official dish of Louisiana. Watch this 60-sec gumbo recipe video. Where to find it: Gumbo is so ubiquitous, you're bound to find it wherever in Louisiana you're traveling.

What do people go to Louisiana for? ›

Louisiana is also home to great architectural, historic sites, and a wildlife-rich ecosystem. Visitors also love the unique Cajun and Creole cuisines and local delicacies such as beignets and poboys.

What is the culture of Louisiana? ›

Louisiana is home to some of America's most colorful culture, including a huge Creole and Cajun population. The Spanish, French, African, and Native American influences are visible in every conceivable way. They speak their own language, have their own style of music and a uniquely delectable cuisine.

Why is Louisiana so important? ›

The Louisiana Purchase eventually doubled the size of the United States, greatly strengthened the country materially and strategically, provided a powerful impetus to westward expansion, and confirmed the doctrine of implied powers of the federal Constitution.

Who is a famous person from Louisiana? ›

John, Tim McGraw, Master P, Fats Domino, Louis freakin' Armstrong, and so many more legends. Actors and comedians like Reese Witherspoon, Anthony Mackie (Captain America is from Louisiana, that's still crazy), Carl Weathers, Jared Leto, and more very successful faces, all come from here.

What is the coolest thing in Louisiana? ›

Top Attractions in Louisiana
  1. The National WWII Museum. 30,683. Military Museums • Speciality Museums. ...
  2. Jackson Square. 16,340. Points of Interest & Landmarks • Historic Walking Areas. ...
  3. French Quarter. 22,743. ...
  4. Frenchmen Street. 12,035. ...
  5. RTA - Streetcars. 16,250. ...
  6. Garden District. 8,927. ...
  7. St. Louis Cathedral. ...
  8. Preservation Hall. 5,880.

What are 2 facts about Louisiana? ›

State Facts
AbbreviationLA
Admitted to UnionApril 30, 1812 (18th state)
CapitalBaton Rouge
ClimateSubtropical
State SealA pelican and her nest, surrounded by the state motto "Union, Justice, Confidence" and the words "State of Louisiana".
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What does Louisiana have that other states don t? ›

There are a lot of things Louisiana is known for: its delicious food, the party atmosphere, its French influence, and oddly enough, its legal system. While every other state uses Common Law, derived from English law, Louisiana uses French Civil Law, which is derived from the Napoleonic Code.

Is Louisiana a rich or poor state? ›

The ten poorest states in the US in terms of poverty rate are Mississippi, Louisiana, New Mexico, West Virginia, Arkansas, Alabama, Kentucky, Oklahoma, Georgia, and South Carolina – as well as the District of Columbia.

Is Louisiana cheap or expensive? ›

The cost of living in Louisiana is 8% lower than the national average. Housing is 16% lower than the national average, while utilities are 12% lower. When it comes to basic necessities such as food and clothing, groceries are around 4% lower than in the rest of the country, while clothing costs 4% lower.

What makes Louisiana the most money? ›

Louisiana is the nation's largest handler of grain for export to world markets. More than 40% of the country's grain exports move through the ports of Louisiana. The most valuable crop is soybeans, followed by cotton and sugarcane.

What is the poorest city in Louisiana? ›

Among the 18 places in Louisiana with available data and populations of at least 25,000, Monroe ranks as the poorest. The typical Monroe household earns $31,926 a year, compared to the statewide median household income of $50,800. Home values are often a reflection of what people can afford.

What billionaire lives in Louisiana? ›

This is the wealthiest person in Louisiana, according to Forbes
StateNameNet Worth
KansasCharles Koch$56 billion
KentuckyTamara Gustavson$8.1 billion
LouisianaGayle Benson$4.7 billion
MarylandStephen Bisciotti$6.4 billion
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Sep 30, 2022

What is a good salary in Louisiana? ›

Average Salary in Louisiana
Annual SalaryMonthly Pay
Top Earners$79,620$6,635
75th Percentile$66,035$5,502
Average$52,035$4,336
25th Percentile$38,036$3,169

What are 3 common dishes of Louisiana? ›

Learn how to cook traditional New Orleans dishes and the history behind them
  • Gumbo. Locals would argue that gumbo is almost its own food group. ...
  • Crawfish Etouffee. One of the best reasons to visit New Orleans is Crawfish Ettouffee. ...
  • Jambalaya. ...
  • Red Beans and Rice. ...
  • The New Orleans Muffaletta. ...
  • Beignets. ...
  • Po-Boys. ...
  • Bananas Foster.

What food is only found in Louisiana? ›

Foods Only Louisiana Natives Know and Love
  • Beignets. This delicious deep fried French doughnut made New Orleans' Café du Monde famous. ...
  • Pralines. ...
  • Boudin. ...
  • King Cake. ...
  • PoBoys. ...
  • Crawfish Etouffee.
Dec 31, 2018

What fruit is Louisiana known for? ›

Produce is a broad category that includes all fruits and vegetables grown in Louisiana. The top four types of produce grown in the state are tomatoes, watermelon, strawberries and satsumas.

What sandwich is Louisiana known for? ›

The Muffaletta

A muffaletta is a famous italian sandwich invented in New Orleans with cured meats (ham and salami), provolone cheese, olive dressing and great bread.

What is Louisiana cooking called? ›

Cajun and Creole food are both native to Louisiana and can be found in restaurants throughout New Orleans. One of the simplest differences between the two cuisine types is that Creole food typically uses tomatoes and tomato-based sauces while traditional Cajun food does not.

What seafood is Louisiana known for? ›

Since the 1800s, Louisiana has had a thriving commercial seafood industry in which the catching and selling of crabs, shrimp, oysters, both freshwater and saltwater finfish, alligator and crawfish has supported the livelihood of many families and communities.

What is the best month to visit Louisiana? ›

The best time to visit Louisiana is between mid-February to early May and from October to December. The state receives temperate weather throughout the year with a few humid weeks. The most popular event in Louisiana is the Mardi Gras festival which takes place on any day from mid-February to early March.

What is the most visited city in Louisiana? ›

New Orleans might be the most popular place to visit in Louisiana, but Baton Rouge is the state's historic capital.

What is the language of Louisiana? ›

Louisiana Creole
Language familyCreole French Creole Louisiana Creole
Official status
Official language inLouisiana
Language codes
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What is a Creole woman? ›

The term is a derivative of the word “criollo,” which means native or local, and was intended as a class distinction. In present Louisiana, Creole generally means a person or people of mixed colonial French, African American and Native American ancestry.

What religion is Louisiana culture? ›

Louisiana Culture

An overwhelming majority of Louisiana residents identify as Christian, and the largest of that group being Roman Catholic. Protestant groups make up the rest, with Baptist and Methodist being larger denominations. Small groups of Jewish, Muslim, and Eastern religions exist as well.

What are the religions in Louisiana? ›

Religion
Religion in Louisiana (2020)
ReligionPercent
Protestant53%
Catholic22%
Other Christian1.5%
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What is the biggest problem facing Louisiana and why? ›

The state has endured a downturn in oil and gas, COVID and hurricanes. The economic picture has been tough in addition to the state's historic problems of poverty, poor health and education. We as leaders have failed to change these issues, and it feels like our challenges are too great.”

Why is Louisiana mostly French? ›

In the 17th century, Louisiana was colonized by French Canadians in the name of the King of France. In the years that followed, additional waves of settlers came from French Canada to Louisiana, notably the Acadians, after their deportation by British troops in 1755.

Why is Louisiana the most stressed state? ›

People in Louisiana are the most stressed, according to the report. The reason? People there reported working long hours for the lowest income. “So that obviously is stressful and that leads to a lot of problems at home that are money-related.

What are people from Louisiana called? ›

As a whole, residents of Louisiana are Louisianians. You might run into neighbors who call themselves Cajuns or Creoles, too!

Who is TikTok famous from Louisiana? ›

Addison Rae Easterling (born October 6, 2000) is an American social media personality and actress. In August 2020, she was ranked as the highest-earning TikTok personality by Forbes. In 2021, Addison Rae made the Forbes 30 Under 30 list for social media influencers. Lafayette, Louisiana, U.S.

Who originally lived in Louisiana? ›

The original inhabitants of the land that New Orleans sits on were the Chitimacha, with the Atakapa, Caddo, Choctaw, Houma, Natchez, and Tunica inhabiting other areas throughout what is now Louisiana.

What animal is Louisiana known for? ›

The American alligator is the official state reptile of Louisiana. Perhaps the most iconic of Louisiana wetlands' animals, the American alligator has bounced back from near extinction to being relatively commonplace.

Does Louisiana have beaches? ›

Louisiana may be best-known for its marshlands, but don't let the murky waters fool you — this state is full of stunning beaches, too. With white sand and warm, clear waters, Louisiana's beaches could rival any of the most luxurious shorelines on Earth. Only here, you're likely to find far fewer crowds.

What strange animals live in Louisiana? ›

Wild Animals in Louisiana

It's only natural, however, that this mysterious place would produce some unusual and exotic animals. Some of the state's strange native inhabitants include the gopher tortoise, crayfish, southern leopard frog, and Louisiana pine snake. The American black bear can run up to 40mph.

What was Louisiana first called? ›

At first, Louisiana was organized as the Territory of Orleans. The rest of the Louisiana Purchase was known as the Louisiana Territory. On April 30, 1812, Louisiana was admitted as the 18th state.

What is Baton Rouge known for? ›

Named by French explorers as "the Red Stick City," Baton Rouge is where Louisiana's capital, flagship university, and distinctive Cajun and Creole cultures all come together. Located in Southeast Louisiana, Baton Rouge is the fifth largest city on the Mississippi River and home to Louisiana's largest parish.

What is Louisiana history? ›

Louisiana Exploration and Colonial History

In 1682, French explorer René-Robert Cavelier de La Salle claimed the territory at the foot of the Mississippi River for France and named it Louisiana after Louis XIV. The first permanent French settlement was created in 1715 in modern-day Natchitoches.

Is Louisiana a Republican run state? ›

Every statewide office, with the exception of governor, is held by a Republican, and both chambers of the state legislature are majority Republican.

How is Louisiana different from other southern states? ›

Louisiana is the only U.S. state with political subdivisions termed parishes, which are equivalent to counties, making it one of only two U.S. states not subdivided into counties (the other being Alaska and its boroughs).

How are Louisiana and Texas different? ›

There are other key differences as well. Texas is bigger geographically and has a population six times larger than Louisiana's. Its state and local spending is five times greater. Most importantly, its economy, at $1.6 trillion, is the second-largest in the nation and nearly seven time the size of Louisiana's.

What are 3 interesting facts about New Orleans? ›

7 Fun Facts You Didn't Know About New Orleans
  • New Orleans was the first city in the United States to host Opera. ...
  • NOLA is home to the most historic districts of any U.S. city. ...
  • The longest continuous bridge in the world is located here. ...
  • The St. ...
  • A pirate helped defend New Orleans during the War of 1812.

What important things are in Louisiana? ›

Important Dates in History
1519Alvarez de Pineda discovers mouth of the Mississippi
1815Battle of New Orleans is won by General Andrew Jackson
1823First natural gas field is discovered in Louisiana, at a depth of 400 feet
1837Shreveport is founded
1838First Mardi Gras parade is held in New Orleans
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What's New Orleans famous for? ›

New Orleans is world-renowned for its distinctive music, Creole cuisine, unique dialects, and its annual celebrations and festivals, most notably Mardi Gras. The historic heart of the city is the French Quarter, known for its French and Spanish Creole architecture and vibrant nightlife along Bourbon Street.

What are people from New Orleans called? ›

Today, common understanding holds that Cajuns are white and Creoles are Black or mixed race; Creoles are from New Orleans, while Cajuns populate the rural parts of South Louisiana.

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