December 23 in Louisiana history has witnessed many significant events throughout its past. Here are 5 interesting facts about this day:

1. Jean Lafitte's Birthday: On December 23, 1780, the famous pirate and privateer Jean Lafitte was born in Saint-Domingue, Haiti. Lafitte established himself in New Orleans after fleeing the Spanish-controlled territory of Barataria where he operated his smuggling enterprise. He later became a hero during the Battle of New Orleans in 1815, where he provided his support to Andrew Jackson.

2. Louisiana Statehood: On December 23, 1812, Louisiana became the eighteenth state in the United States of America. This happened after the Louisiana Purchase of 1803, which saw the territory gain independence from France and become US-owned. The state’s capital, Baton Rouge, was incorporated in 1817.

3. Huey Long Assassination: On December 23, 1935, Senator Huey Long was assassinated in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Huey Long served as the Louisiana governor from 1928-1932 before being elected to the US Senate in 1930. He was known for strongly implementing his populist policies that aimed at uplifting the lower class.

4. James R. Eads Death: On December 23, 1887, the famous civil engineer, James R. Eads, died in Nassau, Bahamas. Eads was an important figure in the history of Louisiana, where he extensively worked on the Mississippi River. Most notably, he designed and built the famous Eads Bridge, which spans the Mississippi River from St. Louis, Missouri to East St. Louis, Illinois.

5. Southern University Founded: On December 23, 1880, the Southern University, a prominent historically black university, was founded in Scotlandville, Louisiana. The university offers 60 baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral programs, and today is one of the four university systems in Louisiana.