Modern history of the area know today as Louisiana dates back to the 1500’s (although there is no written history until the 1600’s), when Spanish explorers discovered it, and claimed it for Spain.

            In 1682 Louisiana got its name, when French explorer Sierra de La Salle reached the Mississippi river and claimed all of the surrounding watershed areas for France.  He named the area Louisiana after his King, Louis XIV. 

            In 1792, the French gave Louisiana to the Spanish.

            In the beginning of the 19th century, Napoleon Bonaparte and his troops forced the Spanish to return control of Louisiana to the French.

            A few years later, in 1803, the United States of America bought control of the territory through the Louisiana Purchase .

            The territory of Louisiana officially became the 18th state to join the United States of America on April 30, 1812.

            In 1815, the British attacked New Orleans, thinking that the French were still in control of the area.  The Americans, with the help of the Spanish and French who lived in the city defeated the British troops.

            The states capital moved from New Orleans to Baton Rouge in 1849.

            Today, the state of Louisiana contains a distinct mix of cultures, each adding to its uniqueness.

            For more information, check out a detailed history of Louisiana .