1. The Leap Year Mardi Gras: In New Orleans, the Mardi Gras celebration is one of the biggest events of the year, and in 1904, it fell on February 29th. This rare occurrence was celebrated in true Mardi Gras fashion, with extravagant parades and parties throughout the city.

2. First Legal Interracial Marriage: On February 29, 1872, a landmark case took place in New Orleans where the Louisiana Supreme Court ruled that interracial couples could legally marry. This groundbreaking decision paved the way for the repeal of discriminatory laws throughout the United States.

3. Louisiana Purchase Treaty: On February 29, 1803, President Thomas Jefferson signed the Louisiana Purchase Treaty, which purchased over 828,000 square miles of land west of the Mississippi River from France for $15 million. The acquisition doubled the size of the United States, including areas that eventually became part of Louisiana.

4. First Female Governor: On February 29, 1984, Louisiana made history by electing the first female governor in the United States. Kathleen Blanco served as Louisiana's governor from 2004 to 2008.

5. Louisiana's Statehood: On February 29, 1812, Louisiana officially became the 18th state of the United States. This significant date marks the anniversary of Louisiana's admittance to the Union and is celebrated as Statehood Day.