The State of Louisiana Facts

Origin of Name

Louisiana was named by Robert de LaSalle, an early French explorer, for Louis XIV, King of France.

Admitted to the Union

Louisiana was admitted to the Union on April 30, 1812 making it the 18th state.

State Nickname

The Pelican State and Sportsman's Paradise

State Motto

Union, Justice, Confidence

State Colors

Gold, White and Blue

State Fossil

Petrified Palmwood

State Gemstone

Cabochon cut gemstone

State Cuisine

Gumbo

State Drink

Milk

State Musical Instrument

Diatonic Accordion (commonly known as the "Cajun" accordion)

State Amphibian

Green Tree Frog

State Freshwater Fish

White Perch (also called sac-au-lait and white crappie)

State Songs

"Give Me Louisiana" by Doralice Fontane and "You Are My Sunshine" by former Louisiana Gov. Jimmie Davis and Charles Mitchell

Earliest Explorers

Spanish: Alvarez de Pineda (1519), Cabeza de Vaca (1528), Hernando DeSoto (1541); French: LaSalle (1682), Iberville and Bienville (1699)

Louisiana
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