1. In 1803, the United States officially took possession of Louisiana from France after the Louisiana Purchase was finalized. This land purchase doubled the size of the United States and helped to facilitate westward expansion.

2. On April 10, 1815, the Battle of New Orleans concluded with a decisive victory for American forces led by General Andrew Jackson. The battle, which took place after the War of 1812 had officially ended, is considered a major turning point in American history.

3. In 1899, the Louisiana Purchase Exposition (also known as the St. Louis World's Fair) opened to the public. The fair showcased technological innovations and cultural exhibits from around the world and helped to establish St. Louis as a major cultural center in the United States.

4. On April 10, 1929, Huey P. Long, who would go on to become one of Louisiana's most famous politicians, was elected governor of the state for the first time. Long's populist policies and aggressive tactics earned him both critics and admirers throughout his career.

5. In 1997, the state of Louisiana officially apologized for its role in the slave trade and pledged to work towards racial reconciliation. The apology, which was delivered by then-Governor Mike Foster, was the first of its kind in the United States and helped to set a precedent for similar acts of contrition in other states.