1. In 1803, the Louisiana Purchase was signed on April 24. This historic agreement gave the United States control of a vast area of land west of the Mississippi River, including the state of Louisiana.

2. On April 24, 1862, the Battle of Forts Jackson and St. Philip began. This was a key battle in the American Civil War, as it allowed Union forces to gain control of the lower Mississippi River and cut off Confederate access to the Gulf of Mexico.

3. April 24, 1992, marked the opening of the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans. This stadium has hosted numerous high-profile events, including seven Super Bowls and five NCAA Final Four basketball tournaments.

4. Louisiana native Hattie Caraway became the first woman to be elected to the U.S. Senate on April 24, 1932. She served in the Senate for 14 years and worked to improve education and healthcare in her home state.

5. On April 24, 1970, the environmental movement celebrated the first Earth Day. This event brought attention to the need for increased environmental protections and inspired new policies and programs to protect natural resources in Louisiana and across the country.