State of Louisiana
Nicknames: The Pelican State, The Bayou State
Motto(s): Union, justice, confidence
Date of Statehood: April 30, 1812 (18th state)
State Song: “You Are My Sunshine” by Jimmie Davis and Charles Mitchell, and “Give Me Louisiana” by Doralice Fontane
Louisiana Flag History
The flag of Louisiana, officially adopted in 1912 and revised in 2006, encapsulates the state’s unique cultural heritage and natural beauty. The flag prominently features a pelican in her piety, a symbol of self-sacrifice and care for others, representing the state’s commitment to protect and nurture its people. This emblem, with three drops of blood on her chest, is depicted nurturing its young in a nest, a symbol rooted in the state’s Catholic heritage representing the state’s role as the protector of its people.
Below the pelican, the state motto “Union, justice, confidence” underscores the values that guide Louisiana. The blue field of the flag symbolizes truth and loyalty, creating a backdrop that highlights the pelican’s significance.
The 2006 revision of the flag added details to the pelican, making it more anatomically correct and emphasizing the state’s commitment to its natural resources and wildlife. The Louisiana flag is a testament to the state’s rich history, its diverse cultural heritage, and its commitment to justice, unity, and the well-being of its citizens.
Louisiana Quick Facts
Capital City: Baton Rouge
Abbreviation: LA
Population: Approximately 4.6 million
Region: South
Origin of State Name: Named in honor of King Louis XIV of France
Sports Teams: New Orleans Saints (NFL), New Orleans Pelicans (NBA)
Bordering States: Texas, Arkansas, Mississippi
Area Codes: 225, 318, 337, 504, 985
Highest Point: Driskill Mountain at 535 feet (163 meters)
Lowest Point: New Orleans at -8 feet (-2.5 meters) below sea level
Geography of Louisiana
Area: 52,378 square miles (135,658 square kilometers), 31st largest
Land: 43,204 square miles (111,898 square kilometers), 33rd largest
Water: 9,174 square miles (23,761 square kilometers), 4th largest
Coastline: 397 miles (639 kilometers)
Shoreline: 7,721 miles (12,426 kilometers), including bays and inlets
Largest Cities:
- New Orleans
- Baton Rouge
- Shreveport
- Lafayette
- Lake Charles
- Kenner
- Bossier City
- Monroe
- Alexandria
- Houma
- New Iberia
- Slidell
- Central
- Ruston
- Sulphur
National Parks:
- Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve
- New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park
- Cane River Creole National Historical Park
- Poverty Point National Monument
Louisiana State Symbols
Living Insignia
State Bird: Brown Pelican
State Animal: Louisiana Black Bear
State Amphibian: Green Tree Frog
State Butterfly: None
State Fish: White Perch (Sac-a-lait)
State Flower: Magnolia
State Horse Breed: None
State Insect: Honeybee
State Mammal: Louisiana Black Bear
State Reptile: American Alligator
Inanimate Insignia
State Fruit: Strawberry
State Gemstone: Agate
State Soil: Ruston soil
State Tree: Bald Cypress
State Quarter: Issued in 2002 featuring the image of a pelican, trumpet with musical notes, and the outline of the Louisiana Purchase
State Beverage: Milk
State Colors: Blue, white, and gold
State Dance: Square Dance
State Food: Gumbo
State Fossil: Petrified Palmwood
State Mineral: Agate
State Rock: Agate