1. In 1864, during the American Civil War, a major battle known as the Battle of Calcasieu Pass was fought in southwestern Louisiana between Union and Confederate forces. The Union forces were ultimately victorious, but the battle resulted in significant losses on both sides.
2. On February 13, 1803, the US Senate approved the Louisiana Purchase, a landmark acquisition of territory from France that nearly doubled the size of the United States. The Louisiana Purchase included all of present-day Louisiana, as well as parts of 14 other states.
3. In 1849, the first recorded gold was discovered in Louisiana, near the town of New Iberia. Though the discovery did not spark a gold rush like those that occurred in California and other parts of the West, it did lead to a small-scale mining and prospecting industry in the state.
4. On February 13, 1899, the first Mardi Gras parade was held in the city of Lake Charles, Louisiana. Today, Mardi Gras is celebrated throughout the state, but New Orleans is perhaps the most famous destination for those looking to participate in the festivities.
5. In 1945, a plane carrying four American servicemen crashed into the Mississippi River near Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The crash sparked a massive search and rescue effort, but all four men were ultimately lost. The crash site was discovered decades later by divers, and a memorial now stands on the river's banks to honor the fallen servicemen.