Celebrating Louisiana's Statehood
On Monday, April 30, 2012, Louisiana will celebrate its 200th year as a state. In 1812, it became the 18th state in the
union.
The state capital of Louisiana is Baton Rouge. Before the capital was in Baton Rouge, the capital cities were New Orleans
and Donaldsonville.
The State Capitol building was dedicated on May 16, 1932. Can you figure out how old this building is now? This is where
the state government officials meet in Baton Rouge.
There are many interesting facts and symbols in Louisiana. The state flag and state seal have the Louisiana motto “Union,
Justice and Confidence” on them. Through the years, there have been different state flags and seals. These are the
symbols right now.
The Louisiana State Bird is the pelican. The Louisiana State Flower is the magnolia.
Many groups such as the, Acadians, African Americans, Anglo-Americans, Spanish, Creoles, French, Germans, IrishScots and Native Americans have all brought a wealth of culture and heritage to the state of Louisiana.
The Governor is the leader in a state. Louisiana has had many Governors.
William Claiborne moved to Louisiana in 1803 to oversee the transfer of the Louisiana Purchase to US control. William
Claiborne became the first elected Louisiana Governor when Louisiana officially became a US state in 1812. Claiborne
Parish is named after him.
The current Governor for the state of Louisiana is Bobby Jindal. He was sworn in as Governor on January 14, 2008 and reelected in 2011.
In 1812, when Louisiana entered Statehood, William C.C. Claiborne was elected as the state’s 1st Governor.
For Louisiana’s Centennial year in 1912, Louisiana had two Governors. Jared Young Sanders was finishing his term and
left in May of 1912. On May 14, 1912, Luther E. Hall became the Governor. So in 1912. when Louisiana became 100
years old, the state had two Governors who actually served. Technically however, when Louisiana celebrated its
Centennial on April 30, 1912, Jared Sanders was the Governor on that date.
During the 2012 Bicentennial year, Bobby Jindal will be serving as the Governor.
Louisiana Governor Huey P. Long was shot in the state Capitol on September 8, 1935. He died two days later on
September 10th. Governor Long was from Winnfield Parish. There is a statue in front of the State Capitol of Huey Long.
Louisiana Governor Jimmie Davis recorded the song “You Are My Sunshine” in 1940. It became the Louisiana State Song
in 1977. Jimmie Davis was the Governor from 1944–1948 and again from 1960–1964.
Edwin Edwards was elected and served four terms as Governor in Louisiana. He is the only person to serve as the leader
of the state four times.
In Louisiana's history, the state has had one woman to serve as Governor. Her name is Kathleen Blanco. She served right
before Governor Jindal. She was in office when Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast states in 2005. Kathleen Blanco was
born in Iberia Parish.
In Louisiana's history, one African American has served as Governor. His name was Pickney Benton Steward Pinchback.
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Celebrating Louisiana's Statehood
The 1st Acadian Governor to serve the state of Louisiana was Alexandre Mouton. He was from Vermilionville (now
Lafayette) and served from 1843-1846.
In 1899, the small towns, Erath and Gueydan were incorporated as a village. Governor Murphy J. Foster signed the
proclamations. In 1999, both towns celebrated their 100th birthdays. Governor Mike Foster signed the Centennial
Proclamations. Mike Foster was Murphy Foster’s grandson.
New Orleans is the largest city in Louisiana. It has attractions like the French Quarter and the Superdome.
Other major cities are Shreveport, Lake Charles, Monroe, Alexandria and Lafayette.
The New Orleans Saints Football Team is a famous sports team in the state. The team was founded by John W. Mecom,
Jr., David Dixon and the city of New Orleans. The Saints began to play at the Tulane Stadium in 1967. After the
Superdome was built in the 70’s, the team began playing their home games there. The New Orleans Saints won their first
Superbowl Championship on February 7, 2009.
Louisiana’s economy stems from agricultural products like seafood, soybeans, cattle, cotton, sugarcane, poultry and eggs,
dairy products, and rice. Oil, gas and tourism all play a role in Louisiana’s economy as well.
Mardi Gras is a famous holiday that the entire state celebrates! The holiday is dubbed “Fat Tuesday.” There are parades,
exhibits and fairs throughout Louisiana during Mardi Gras. Those attending parades often say “Throw me something
Mister!” in an effort to catch doubloons, coins and other items.
King Cakes are special sweet treats that are popular during the Mardi Gras season in Louisiana. They are decorated with
green, purple and gold icing. There are many types of King Cakes now. Do you know what most king cakes have inside?
Louisiana is famous for their state festivals. Many cities and towns host festivals, fairs and other events to promote
Louisiana resources and holidays. Often pageants, contests, fairs and fais do do’s are part of the celebration. A “fais do
do” is a Cajun dance party. (Fais do do is pronounced [fey-doh-doh] From Dictionary.com)
Some Louisianans are famous. Three famous musicians from Louisiana are Brittany Spears, Harry Connick Jr.and Louis
Armstrong. There are other famous Louisianans as well.
Circle the correct answers below.
1. Baton Rouge is the current capital of Louisiana. Can you name another city in the state where the capital was?
A. Alexandria
B. Shreveport
C. New Orleans
D. Monroe
2. Can you name the man who was the 1st governor of Louisiana when it became the 18th state in the nation?
A. William C.C. Claiborne
B. Huey P. Long
C. Bobby Jindal
D. Edwin Edwards
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Celebrating Louisiana's Statehood
3. Can you name the holiday that is dubbed "Fat Tuesday?"
A. Easter
B. Mardi Gras
C. Lent
D. Thanksgiving
4. What is a famous dessert or treat that Louisianan's love to eat during Mardi Gras?
A. Cupcakes
B. Peppermints
C. Ice Cream
D. King Cake
5. What are the three words of the Louisiana motto? It is on the state flag and state seal.
A. “Union, Confidence, Who Dat"
B. “Union, Happiness, Confidence"
C. "Union, Louisiana, Justice"
D. “Union, Justice, Confidence
6. Can you name the Louisiana state flower?
A. Rose
B. Magnolia
C. Ivy
D. Fern
7. Can you name the Louisiana state bird?
A. Duck
B. Cardinal
C. Pelican
D. Blue Jay
8. One Louisiana Governor was shot in the state Capitol building in 1935? Can you name this Governor?
A. Kathleen Blanco
B. William C.C. Claiborne
C. Huey P. Long
D. Edwin Edwards
9. Louisiana has had one female Governor and one African American Governor. Can you name the two?
A. Kathleen Blanco and Pickney Benton Steward Pinchback.
B. Kathleen Blanco and Huey P. Long
C. Kathleen Blanco and William C.C. Claiborne
D. Kathleen Blanco and Edwin Edwards
10. Can you name the two Louisiana Governors who both served during the state's Centennial year in 1912?
A. Jared Young Sanders and Luther Hall
B. William C.C. Clairborne and Bobby Jindal
C. Edwin Edwards and Bobby Jindal
D. Jimmy Davis and Kathleen Blanco
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Celebrating Louisiana's Statehood
11. Louisiana was the __________ state in the union.
A. 18th
B. 1st
C. 50th
D. 10th
12. In what year did Louisiana enter statehood?
A. 2005
B. 1815
C. 1840
D. 1812
13. Can you name the largest city in Louisiana?
A. Lafayette
B. Baton Rouge
C. Shreveport
D. New Orleans
14. Which Louisiana Governor recorded “You Are My Sunshine” in 1940?
A. Alexandre Mouton
B. Jimmie Davis
C. Edwin Edwards
D. Huey P. Long
15. Did many groups bring their heritage and culture to Louisiana or was did it begin with just one particular group?
A. It was only one group.
B. It was because of many groups.
16. Does tourism, seafood and crops bring money into the state of Louisiana?
A. Yes
B. No
17. Can you name the Governor who will be in office during the Louisiana Bicentennial?
A. Kathleen Blanco
B. Bobby Jindal
C. Edwin Edwards
D. William Claiborne
18. Can you name the Governor who was in office when Hurricane Katrina slammed into the Gulf Coast?
A. Kathleen Blanco
B. Bobby Jindal
C. Edwin Edwards
D. William Claiborne
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