1. In 1718, the city of New Orleans was founded by French explorer Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville. The city grew to become a major economic and cultural center in the region, with a rich history that has shaped Louisiana's unique identity.

2. On July 31, 1763, the Treaty of Paris was signed, ending the French and Indian War and transferring Louisiana from France to Spain. This would shape the course of Louisiana's history, as Spain would govern the territory until it was sold back to France in 1800, and later sold to the United States in the Louisiana Purchase of 1803.

3. In 1797, the first issue of The Louisiana Gazette, Louisiana's first newspaper, was published in New Orleans. The Gazette would play an important role in shaping public opinion in the state and serving as a vital source of information for the community.

4. On July 31, 1865, Union soldiers landed in Galveston, Texas to announce the end of slavery in the Confederate states. This event, known as Juneteenth, is celebrated as a holiday in many parts of the country and is a reminder of Louisiana's critical role in the fight for civil rights.

5. Louisiana is home to a rich tradition of music, and on July 31, 1909, blues legend Howlin' Wolf was born in White Station, Mississippi. Howlin' Wolf would go on to become one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century, with a distinctive voice and style that would inspire generations of musicians to come.