1. Louisiana became a state on December 20, 1803, by way of the Louisiana Purchase, which was finalized on that day after months of negotiations with the French government. However, it wasn't until December 24, 1812, that Louisiana was officially admitted into the Union as the 18th state.

2. On December 24, 1830, the first steamship to navigate the Mississippi River above St. Louis, Missouri, arrived in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The "Virginia" was piloted by Captain Henry M. Shreve and had been built specifically for this purpose, as previous steamships had been unable to navigate the shallow and winding river.

3. In December 1862, during the Civil War, the Battle of Chickasaw Bayou took place near Vicksburg, Mississippi, just across the river from Louisiana. Louisiana troops fought on both sides of the conflict, with Confederate forces ultimately repulsing Union troops after three days of intense fighting.

4. December 24, 1906, marked the opening of the famous Roosevelt Hotel in New Orleans, which quickly became a popular destination for tourists and celebrities alike. The hotel's ornate architecture, luxurious amenities, and proximity to the city's French Quarter made it a must-visit destination for decades.

5. In December 1973, the Louisiana Superdome opened in New Orleans, becoming the largest enclosed stadium in the world at the time. The dome hosted numerous iconic events over the years, including multiple Super Bowls, NCAA Final Fours, and concerts by some of the biggest names in music.