On November 9, National Louisiana Day recognizes the state that brought us such treasures as Jazz, Creole and American Mardi Gras.

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. The first of 15 states to be carved out of the region, Louisianna entered the United States in 1812.

Official state Symbols

State Capital – Baton Rouge
State Nickname – Pelican State
State Motto – “Union, justice and confidence”
State Bird – Brown Pelican
State Flower – Magnolia
State Fish – White Perch
State Fruit – Strawberry
State Beverage – Milk
State Fossil – Petrified palmwood
State Mineral – Agate
State Tree – Bald Cypress
State Song – “You Are My Sunshine” and “Give Me Louisiana”
State Gemstone – Crassostrea virginica
State Insect – Honeybee

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 Caribean 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.

You can even take an authentic Paddle Wheel dinner cruise up the mighty Mississippi. Grab a trolley ride through the historic district, and of course the Super dome home of the New Orleans Saints. Further out are preserved Plantations that bring home the history, of that era.

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. 

Cane River Creole – Natchez

Jean Lafitte – New Orleans

New Orleans Jazz – New Orleans

Chicot State Park – Ville Platte

Lake Bistineau State Park – Doyline

Palmetto Island State Park – Abbeville

Poverty Point Reservoir State Park – Delhi

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 – Ferriday

Old Louisiana 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 Plantation House – White Castel

Mardi Gras Museum – New Orleans

Ogden Museum of Southern Art – New Orleans

Jungle Gardens – Avery Island

Lousiana Flavor

Crawfish
Bread Pudding
Red Beans and Rice
Muffuletta
Gumbo
Jambalaya
Shrimp & Grits
King Cake
Beignets
Boudin Sausage

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We spent our honeymoon in New Orleans and we just loved it. History, culture, music, and since it was March we even got a taste of Mardi Gras with a parade. Sip a classic Hurricane with your red beans and rice before exploring Preservation Hall, The Vodoo Museum, and the sights, sounds, and yes smells, of Bourbon Street.

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Notable People

Alice Heine – Princess – (February 10, 1858 – December 22, 1925)

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Sarah Breedlove – Entrepreneur – (December 23, 1867 – May 25, 1919)

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Edith Loeber Ballard – Physician – (August 8, 1875 – December 23, 1948)

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Buddy Bolden – Musician – (September 6, 1877 – November 4, 1931)

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Louis Armstrong – Musician – (August 4, 1901 – July 6, 1971)

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Truman Capote – Author – (September 30, 1924 – August 25, 1984)

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Ella Brennan – Restaurateur – (November 27, 1925 -)

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Fats Domino – Musician & Singer/Songwriter – (February 26, 1928 – October 24, 2017)

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Jerry Lee Lewis – Singer/Songwriter – (September 29, 1935 – )

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Paul Prudhomme – Chef – (July 13, 1940 – October 8, 2015)

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Richard Simmons – Businessman/Comedian – (July 12, 1948 – )

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Explore More…

• Alabama
• Alaska
• Arizona
• Arkansas
• California
• Colorado
• Connecticut
• Delaware
• Florida
• Georgia
• Hawaii
• Idaho
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Iowa
• Kansas
• Kentucky
• Louisiana
• Maine
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• Mississippi
• Missouri
• Montana
• Nebraska
• Nevada
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey
• New Mexico
• New York
• North Carolina
• North Dakota
• Ohio
• Oklahoma
• Oregon
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• South Carolina
• South Dakota
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Utah
• Vermont
• Virginia
• Washington
• West Virginia
• Wisconsin
• Wyoming

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalLouisianaDay

Take a ghost tour of the raised cemetery and visit the grave of Marie Laveau. Enjoy the beauty of Jaskson Sqaure and its spires Church. Catch a horse draw carriage tour, just for two or join a group. Jax Brewery has divine pralines, and soak up the authentic Jazz music. Finish or start with famous Cafe Du Monde, Chicory coffee and some Beignets.

On November 9, we celebrate Louisiana’s treasures and mysteries. Uncover hidden the hidden gulf coast and find all the adventures Louisiana has to offer! Use #NationalLouisianaDay to share on social media.