1) In 1803, the Louisiana Purchase was finalized, bringing the territory of Louisiana under United States control. This purchase doubled the size of the country and laid the foundation for westward expansion.
2) On October 19, 1908, a massive hurricane struck the Gulf Coast, killing over 300 people and causing widespread destruction. The storm, known as the Great Gulf Hurricane or the Cheniere Caminada Hurricane, remains one of the deadliest in Louisiana's history.
3) In 1972, Angola Prison, the largest maximum-security prison in the United States, experienced a deadly riot that lasted for three days. The riot resulted in the deaths of 30 inmates and the wounding of several others.
4) In 1983, Louisiana native and country music star, Trace Adkins, had his first major television appearance on the famous Austin City Limits music series. Adkins would go on to have a successful career, with over 20 chart-topping hits.
5) On October 19, 2019, Louisiana State University defeated the University of Mississippi in a thrilling 58-37 football game. The victory kept LSU undefeated and set the stage for their eventual National Championship win later that season.