Welcome to LOUISIANA

Situated in the Deep South, Louisiana, the "Pelican State," has a colorful history and was named in honor of King Louis XIV. A strong French influence is still evident throughout the state--its capital city is named Baton Rouge, French for "red stick," because the French-Canadian explorer Pierre Le Moyne d'Iberville visited the area in 1699 and observed a red cypress post. Today the city of New Orleans is known for its Mardi Gras and jazz festivals. ...Read more here: Louisiana - The Pelican State

Capital City:

Baton Rouge

Nickname:

Pelican State

Motto:

Union, justice, and confidence

Statehood:

April 30, 1812 (18th)

Origin of State's Name:

Named in honor of France's King Louis XIV.

Largest Cities:

New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Shreveport, Lafayette, Kenner

Border States:

Arkansas , Mississippi , Texas

Land Area:

43,566 sq. mi.; 33rd largest

State Bird:

Eastern Brown Pelican

State Flower:

Magnolia (magnolia)

State Tree:

Bald Cypress (taxodium distichum)

State Song:

Give Me Louisiana