| Because of their French colonial heritage, Louisiana has its own unique culture; distinct groups such as Creole, Cajun and Isleño are commonly found in various areas of the state. Many people find Louisiana’s warm seasons and beautiful bayous perfect for settling down. |
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Migration in earnest did not start in Louisiana until 1718, when New Orleans was founded. The population increased dramatically in the 1760s due to the arrival of the French speaking Cajuns who were expelled by the British from Nova Scotia. France ceded the rights of Louisiana to Spain in 1762 trying to rid itself of the financial burden of expansion. Hostilities between Spain and France over the territory erupted in the late 1790s and Napoleon Bonaparte coerced Spain into returning the colony to France in 1800.
Fifteen days after the War of 1812, British troops invaded New Orleans in an attempt to claim Louisiana. General Andrew Jackson, with the aid of Jean Lafitte, a pirate, led very inexperienced troops against the attack. Under Jackson’s leadership, the inexperienced soldiers defeated the British and he became hero.
Plantation agriculture help increase the population from 50,000 to 700,000 in less than 60 years. Slavery became prevalent as plantation owners measured their wealth by the size of their land and the number of slaves owned. The agriculture industry was devastated by the Civil War, then recovery was hampered by insects and poor weather.
The lumber industry and the industrial revolution revitalized the state in the 1890s then vast mineral resources were discovered in 1901. This led to oil production and would help Louisiana become a leader in the chemical industry.
After World War II, petroleum and natural gas became a great source of wealth, however the state was nearly crippled by the energy crisis in the 1970s. Tourism saved the state from economic ruin beginning in 1980 as Cajun cooking, an appealing mix of culture and jazz music and the annual pilgrimage to Mardi Gras continues to draws visitors.
Huge refineries around Lake Charles dot the landscape reinforcing the economic impact of oil production. Agriculture still plays an important role with sugarcane, cotton, soybean, sweet potato, rice and pecan harvesting all among the top 10 in the nation. It also accounts for 26 percent of all seafood landed it the U.S. annually. New Orleans and Baton Rouge are two of the five busiest ports in the nation.
The statewide sales tax is 4 percent, with local options for up to an additional 4.75 percent. New Orleans levies a 5 percent tax on amusement admissions (2 percent for movies and theater). The city also charges a tax of up to $2.00 per night on lodgings and a 5 percent tax on food and beverages.
The state is known as the "Sportsman’s Paradise" as there are abundant opportunities for boating, fishing, hunting and camping. It contains some of the largest state owned wildlife sanctuaries in the world. Louisiana is the winter home for several species of migrating birds along with deer, ducks and millions of other water fowl. Many scenic and historic sites are accessible from the Great River Road, a system of parkways constructed by Louisiana and nine other states.
