1. Louisiana officially became a state on December 31, 1812, becoming the 18th state in the United States. The Louisiana Territory was acquired from France in 1803 and had been governed as a territory for almost 10 years before becoming a state.

2. On December 31, 1862, the Union Army captured the city of New Orleans during the Civil War. The Union victory in the Battle of New Orleans was a major turning point in the war and gave the Union control of the Mississippi River.

3. The original Mardi Gras celebration in New Orleans was held on December 31, 1699, by French explorers Pierre Le Moyne d’Iberville and Sieur de Bienville. The celebration was held to mark the eve of the Catholic Feast of the Epiphany.

4. Louisiana has a long tradition of rice cultivation, and December 31 is celebrated as National Rice Month in the state. The rice industry is a vital part of Louisiana's economy, with over 300,000 acres of rice fields across the state.

5. The Louisiana Hayride, a popular radio show during the 1940s and 1950s, was broadcast for the last time on December 31, 1960. The show featured many famous country music artists, including Elvis Presley, Hank Williams, and Johnny Cash, and helped launch the careers of many others.