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Louisiana
More About Louisiana State
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the northern section is largely Protestant. It is the only state whose divisions are called parishes rather than counties.
The northern and southern parts of the state are quite different topographically. In the southern area are fine old mansions and sugar cane plantation estates, many of which are open to the public. (See BATON ROUGE for a plantation tour.) The north is more rural, with beautiful rivers, hills, forests, and cotton plantation mansions. This is the area from which the colorful Huey Long came; he was born in Winnfield.
Petroleum and natural gas taken from far underground, shipped abroad, or processed in large plants, contribute to Louisiana's thriving industrial and manufacturing economy. As these businesses expand, the service sector continually grows to meet demands.
Hernando de Soto discovered the Mississippi in 1541. La Salle claimed Louisiana for France in 1682. Pierre le Moyne, Sieur d'Iberville, first came to the state in 1699. His brother Jean Baptiste le Moyne, Sieur de Bienville, founded New Orleans in 1718, three years after the founding of Natchitoches by Cavalier St. Denis.
To prevent Louisiana from falling into the hands of the English, Louis XV of France gave it to his cousin, Charles III of Spain. In 1801, Napoleon regained it for France, though no one in Louisiana knew of this until 1803, only 20 days before the Louisiana Purchase made it US territory.
This colorful history established it as the state it isindividual, different, exciting. It remains the old Deep South at its bestgracious, cultured, and hospitable.
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Louisiana
Statistics & Vital Data |  |
| Population: | 4468976 |
| Area: | 44,520 square miles |
| Timezone: | Central |
| Elevation: | 0-535 feet |
| High
point: | Driskill Mountain (Bienville Parish) |
| Joined
Union: | April 30, 1812 (18th state) |
| State
Capital: | Baton Rouge |
| State
Motto: | "Union, Justice, Confidence" |
| State
Flower: | Magnolia |
| State
Bird: | Eastern Brown Pelican |
| State
Tree: | Bald Cypress |
| State
Fair: | Late October-early November in Shreveport |
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Louisiana Events >> | | View
Louisiana Attractions >> |
Louisiana Parks, Recreation Areas, & Historical Landmarks:
State Parks - Water-related activities, hiking, various other sports, picnicking, and camping, are available in many of Lousiana's state parks. An admission fee ($2/vehicle for up to four people, 50¢ for each additional) is charged at most Louisiana state parks. Many parks have swimming, fishing, boating (rentals); camping (unimproved sites, $10/site per night; improved, $12/site per night; two-week maximum). Swimming pools are operated Memorial Day-Labor Day. Some parks have cabins (two-week maximum reservations made at each park). Reservations for October-March are placed July 1-3 by phone only on a first-come, first-served basis annually. After July 3, reservations can be made by calling or writing the particular park. Reservations for April-September are placed January 2-4 by phone only on first-come basis annually. After January 4, reservations can be made by phoning or writing the particular park. Note: Reservations may be made Monday-Friday 8 am-5 pm. In the event that the above dates fall on a weekend or holiday, reservations may be made the following business day. Golden Age Passport accepted. Pets on leash only; not permitted within any state park building. For further information, contact the Office of State Parks, PO Box 44426, Baton Rouge 70804-4426; phone 225/342-8111 or 888/677-1400.
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list of all parks in Louisiana >> | |
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Louisiana
Weather and Climate:
Temperatures in Louisiana rarely dip below freezingeven in winter. Summers are hot, with oppressive humidity. Hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 1, and Gulf Coast towns are prime targets during this time of year. Annual rainfall can exceed 65 inches in the coastal areas. | |
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Fishing/Hunting
Opportunities in Louisiana:
Nonresident fishing license: $60; three-day, $15. Nonresident saltwater fishing license: $50; three-day, $40. Marine conservation stamp (required for saltwater fishing): $3. Fishing licenses are valid from the date of purchase until June 30. Nonresident basic season hunting license: $150; five-day, $100. Nonresident All Game Season: $150; five-day, $75. Nonresident migratory game bird license (three-day): $75; nonresident waterfowl (duck) stamp: $25. Nonresident archery license: $26. For details on hunting and fishing regulations, contact the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, PO Box 98000, Baton Rouge 70898; phone 225/765-2887 or 888/765-2602. | |
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| | Additional Louisiana Visitor Information:
For detailed information about Louisiana, contact the Office of Tourism, Inquiry Section, PO Box 94291, Baton Rouge 70804-9291; phone 225/342-8119 or toll-free 800/33-GUMBO.
There are several tourist information centers in Louisiana; visitors will find information and brochures helpful in planning stops at points of interest. Some of the locations are as follows: in the northern part of the state on westbound I-20 at Tallulah and on eastbound I-20 at Greenwood; in the central part of the state on the eastern border on US 84 at Vidalia; in the southern part of the state at Baton Rouge in Memorial Hall of the State Capitol, on St. Ann Street in the French Quarter in New Orleans, southbound on I-59 near Pearl River, westbound on I-10 near Slidell, southbound on I-55 at Kentwood, eastbound on I-10 near Sabine River and south of the Louisiana-Mississippi state line on US 61 in St. Francisville. (Daily; hours may vary) |
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