Cities In Louisiana - Quick Facts, History & Geography
Louisiana Quick Facts
Louisiana is the 31st largest state with 52,378 square miles and is 17.52% water. Louisiana is nicknamed the "Pelican State," symbolizing the state's abundant birdlife and resilience. Louisiana is named after King Louis XIV of France. New Orleans is the largest city in Louisiana and is famous for its vibrant culture, music, and historic French Quarter. The Capital of Louisiana is Baton Rouge. Louisiana's culture is a unique blend of French, Spanish, African, and Caribbean influences, resulting in a rich heritage of music, cuisine and traditions. Jazz originated in New Orleans in the early 20th century. The Lake Pontchartrain Causeway is the largest bridge over water in the world, spanning 24 miles long. New Orleans was home to the world's first indoor movie theatre. The very first mixed cocktail, the Sazerac, was created in Louisiana in the mid-1800s. May famous entertainers and celebrities were born in Louisiana, including Reese Witherspoon, Tyler Perry, Ellen DeGeneres, Lil Wayne, Harry Connick Jr., Jared Leto and Anthony Mackie.
The History of Louisiana
Louisiana became the 18th state to join the Union on April 30, 1812, but its roots go back even further than that. Prior to European contact, Louisiana was home to multiple North American tribes including the Houman, Natchez and Choctaw. In 1682, French explorer René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle, claimed the territory for France, where settlers, traders, and missionaries began to establish colonies and forts, primarily along the Mississippi River. In 1803, the United States acquired Louisiana from France through the Louisiana Purchase, a landmark real estate deal that doubled the size of the young nation. During the Spanish colonial period (1763-1803), many Acadians (Cajuns) from Nova Scotia settled in Louisiana, bringing with them a distinct culture and French dialect. During the War of 1812, the British attempted to seize New Orleans. Under the leadership of General Andrew Jackson, American forces won a decisive victory in the Battle of New Orleans in January 1815, making Jackson a national hero. Louisiana was deeply affected by the American Civil War, with major battles fought on its soil. In the early 20th century, Louisiana, particularly New Orleans, became a cradle of jazz music, which had a significant impact on American and global culture.
The Geography of Louisiana
Louisiana is a geographically diverse state, with multiple landscapes, defined by its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico, meandering rivers, wetlands and unique coastal features. Louisiana is bordered by Arkansas, Mississippi and Texas. The Mississippi River runs along Louisiana's eastern border, providing vital transportation and trade routes. To the south, Louisiana is bordered by the Gulf of Mexico, offering expansive coastlines and sandy beaches. The Atchafalaya Basin, the largest river swamp in the United States, is a vast network of wetlands and bayous located in south-central Louisiana. The state's two largest cities, Baton Rouge and New Orleans, are situated along the Mississippi River. In southwestern Louisiana, the region known as "Cajun Country" features prairies, marshlands and bayous. Louisiana faces significant challenges from wetland erosion and land loss due to human activities and natural factors. Coastal restoration efforts are underway to combat this critical issue.
Louisiana Relocation Guide
When you start looking at a map of Louisiana cities, a few major cities always have to come up in the conversation. One of those is New Orleans and it is the most prominent on any map that you might look at. In terms of the best restaurants and hotels in the state, New Orleans has the most to offer. Places like Baton Rouge and Shreveport are not far behind, though. The local businesses in the major cities in Louisiana depend a lot on tourism, which is helped by the draw of New Orleans. With attractions like Bourbon Street and JazzFest to help, the city has a knack for attracting people to the state.
Cost of living is exceedingly low in all of Louisiana, which is a prime reason why many people choose it for their relocation purposes. These folks move here because even in New Orleans, you can find some of the most affordable housing in the United States. The primary housing options are either single family homes with plenty of space or townhomes, as you get closer to the center of the cities. Crime rates in Louisiana are higher than the national average, especially in larger cities like New Orleans. The weather is very hot during most of the year, so that is something to be prepared for initially.
