20 Things Louisiana Is Known For

There are plenty of things Louisiana is known for, from the tasty cuisine like gumbo and crawfish to famous festivals like Mardi Gras. Whether visiting Louisiana for the first time or the hundredth time, there’s always something interesting to see in the Pelican State.

To create this list of what Louisiana is most known for, 24/7 Tempo consulted major news and lifestyle publications, including U.S. News & World Report, National Geographic, and the Food Network.

Out of all the incredible and interesting things you’ll find there, here are 20 things Louisiana is known for.

King Louis XIV

 

 

• Fact: King Louis XIV is an important part of Louisiana’s history since the state was named after him.

One of the first questions about Louisiana might be, “Where did the name come from?” King Louis XIV is an essential part of Louisiana’s history. The state was named after King Louis XIV in 1682. Although Spain originally claimed the region, France took ownership in 1682 and named the territory after King Louis XIV.

Salt

 

 

• Fact: Louisiana is the largest salt producer in all 50 states.

Every state has natural resources that are an important part of the state’s economy. Louisiana produces many natural resources, including clay, stone, and gemstones. However, the one resource Louisiana is most known for is salt. Out of all 50 states, Louisiana produces more salt than any other state.

Beautiful Architecture

 

 

• Fact: Louisiana is known for its beautiful French Creole architecture.

You might be focused on the fun, festivals, or the food when you visit Louisiana–but you can’t help but notice the beautiful architecture. The architecture is hard to ignore, especially when you visit areas like the French Quarter. There are more places on the National Register of Historic Places in Louisiana than in any other state. It also has beautiful churches and cathedrals like the St. Louis Cathedral in New Orleans.

Pelicans

 

 

• Fact: Louisiana is also known as the Pelican State since the pelican is the state bird.

Have you ever wondered what the nickname for Louisiana is? While there is definitely more than one nickname for this state, one of the most popular ones is the Pelican State. This nickname came from the fact that the brown pelican is the state bird of Louisiana. The pelican is also on Louisiana’s state flag and the state seal.

Alligators

 

 

• Fact: Florida is the only other state with as many alligators as Louisiana.

Alligators are the kind of wildlife Louisiana is known for, which is something it has in common with the state of Florida. Florida and Louisiana have more than one million alligators, more than any other state. (To learn more about Florida, check out 20 Iconic Things That Make Florida One of a Kind.)

It’s not uncommon to see American alligators if you’re near the swamps in Louisiana or any other body of water.

Swamps

 

 

• Fact: The swamps, or wetlands, are a large part of Louisiana.

Even though there are many large and vibrant cities in Louisiana, a swamp might come to mind when you picture this state. The coastal wetlands are an interesting part of Louisiana, and there’s a myriad of interesting plant and animal life there. The swampy wetlands of Louisiana are also known as the bayou, which describes the slow-moving water in a swampy area.

Beignets

 

 

• Fact: Beignets are a type of pastry or doughnut covered in powdered sugar.

Every state has unique treats, and Louisiana is most known for one of the pastries, the beignet. This pastry is a type of doughnut that’s fried and covered in powdered sugar. The recipe for beignets was first introduced by French Acadians or Cajun settlers in Louisiana. Unsurprisingly, this delicious pastry became incredibly popular and the official state doughnut in 1986.

Plantations

 

 

• Fact: The plantations in Louisiana aren’t just a way to view some of the beautiful architecture; they’re also a way to discover Louisiana’s history.

Big, beautiful plantations may come to mind when you think about the architecture of Louisiana homes. These Southern plantations, often surrounded by breathtaking cypress trees and complete with large columns, are historic. They also have a complicated history. Many of these plantations tell the story of those who were enslaved in the South until 1864.

Baton Rouge

 

 

• Fact: Baton Rouge is the capital of Louisiana and is home to the largest parish in the state.

Baton Rouge is an important city as the capital of Louisiana. It’s where you’ll find the state capitol building and the largest parish in the state. This city is located right on the Mississippi River and has an incredible art and music culture. You’ll also learn a lot about the history of Louisiana when visiting this city, and there are plenty of memorable attractions as well.

National World War II Museum

 

 

• Fact: The National World War II Museum is a must-see in Louisiana and home to over 250,000 artifacts.

One of the most well-known attractions in New Orleans is the National World War II Museum. This museum is a part of the Smithsonian Institution and provides a look into the experience of Americans during World War II. The National World War II Museum originally opened in 2000 and has been named the official World War II museum of the United States.

Parishes

 

 

• Fact: While most states have counties to divide different regions, the regions in Louisiana are known as parishes.

In most states, the regions are divided by counties. However, in Louisiana, they’re known as parishes. This distinction is due to the Catholic influence in the region before the Louisiana Purchase. This influence is still prominent in the culture of Louisiana, with many of the events, churches, and traditions originating from the Catholic faith.

Hurricane Katrina

 

 

• Fact: Hurricane Katrina is known as one of the deadliest and most costly hurricanes in modern United States history.

In 2005, tragedy struck Louisiana when Hurricane Katrina came barreling through. Even though we’re nearly 20 years removed from this devastating storm, it’s still one of the things Louisiana is known for, and the memory of those lost during the storm still lives on today. Hurricane Katrina killed over 1,800 people and caused over 100 billion dollars worth of damage to the state.

Louisiana State Capitol

 

 

• Fact: The state capitol building in Louisiana is the tallest in the country.

The state capitol in Louisiana is hard to miss, considering it’s 450 feet tall and 34 stories. The seat of government in Louisiana has been a National Historic Landmark since 1982 and is located in Baton Rouge, LA. Despite being a historic landmark, it isn’t the original capitol building and was only built in 1931.

Louisiana Purchase

 

 

• Fact: The Louisiana Purchase was the United States’ process of purchasing Louisiana from France in 1803.

The Louisiana Purchase was the greatest land bargain in the history of the United States. In 1803, the United States purchased the rights to 828,000 square miles of land. Even though the constitutionality of this treaty was questioned, it doubled the size of the United States and greatly impacted the country’s strength. If you question what Louisiana is known for in history, you’ll certainly hear about the Louisiana Purchase and how this state became a part of the U.S.

Jazz Music

 

 

• Fact: Jazz music originated in New Orleans, and many jazz icons came from Louisiana.

You can’t get to know Louisiana culture without a love for jazz music. This unique style of music originated in New Orleans, and many of the most well-known jazz icons actually came from Louisiana as well. Musicians such as Louis Armstrong, King Oliver, and Buddy Bolden proudly called Louisiana home.

Crawfish

 

 

• Fact: Crawfish is a popular food in Louisiana, known as the world’s crawfish capital.

If you head to Louisiana during crawfish season, there’s a good chance you’ll try some of these critters. Considering the amount of wetlands in Louisiana, plenty of crawfish exist in this state. Not only is it a popular meal in Louisiana, but this state also produces more crawfish than any other state. There are over 1,000 crawfish fishermen and farmers in the state, which is why it’s known as the crawfish capital of the world. If you’re a fan of Crawfish, check out 20 Great Southern Seafood Dishes Everyone Should Try.

Gumbo

 

 

• Fact: Gumbo is another famous dish Louisiana is known for, but even its exact origins are unclear.

Gumbo is another popular dish Louisiana is known for. It’s essentially a stew made with a variety of vegetables, meat, and spices. Although the exact origins of this dish are unclear, the name gumbo comes from the West African word for okra. Some versions of the dish do contain okra, but most recipes also have a significant French influence, especially with the addition of roux.

Po’Boys

 

 

• Fact: Po’boys are a type of sandwich that originated in Louisiana.

In 1929, there was a streetcar strike in Louisiana. While this disagreement led to a troubling four months for those who were striking, it was during this time that the po’boy first appeared. The po’boy is a popular sandwich that originated in Louisiana, and the first place to sell them was the Martin Brothers’ French Market and Coffee Stand. This type of sandwich includes meat and is served on fresh French bread.

New Orleans, LA

 

 

• Fact: New Orleans may not be the capital of Louisiana, but it is the largest city.

If you’re visiting Louisiana, there’s a good chance you plan on stopping by the largest city in the state, New Orleans. This city is the one Louisiana is most known for, and it’s a popular tourist destination for many reasons. Mardi Gras takes place in this city, and the French Quarter is one of the area’s biggest highlights. New Orleans is a city worth visiting, from top-notch restaurants to beautiful architecture.

Mardi Gras

 

 

• Fact: Mardi Gras has been a significant part of Louisiana culture since the first parade in 1837.

If there’s one thing Louisiana is consistently known for, it’s the Mardi Gras parade. This enormous event takes place every year in New Orleans. While the actual Mardi Gras takes place on Fat Tuesday or the day before Ash Wednesday, the Carnival Season starts in January on the Feast of Epiphany. You can find all kinds of Mardi Gras-related events throughout the entire season.