1. In 1815, Louisiana officially became a state. It was the 18th state to join the Union, and its capital city is Baton Rouge.

2. On January 18, 1861, Louisiana seceded from the Union, joining other southern states in forming the Confederacy. The Civil War began just a few months later.

3. The Battle of Bayou Teche took place on January 18, 1863, during the Civil War. It was a Union victory and helped to secure control of Louisiana for the North.

4. In 1896, Louisiana State University played its first football game on January 18, against Tulane University. LSU won the game by a score of 34-0.

5. On January 18, 1957, Governor Earl K. Long was forcibly committed to a mental hospital by his political opponents. He famously stated, "I'm all right, but the people around me are crazy."