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- 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
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.
Source: Library Of Congress
