1. Hurricane Katrina made landfall in Louisiana on August 31, 2005, causing devastating damage and loss of life in the city of New Orleans and along the Gulf Coast. The storm was one of the costliest and deadliest natural disasters in U.S. history.

2. Louisiana officially became a state on August 31, 1812, after being admitted to the Union as the 18th state. The Louisiana Purchase, which had expanded U.S. territory westward, had occurred just nine years earlier.

3. Jazz legend Louis Armstrong was born in New Orleans on August 4, 1901. Throughout his career, Armstrong became known for popularizing jazz music and helping to expand its influence across the United States and around the world.

4. The Battle of New Orleans, a pivotal conflict in the War of 1812, actually took place on January 8, 1815. However, it is often associated with August 31, as this was the date on which Andrew Jackson issued his Proclamation of Victory after defeating British forces.

5. On August 31, 1965, Hurricane Betsy struck the Gulf Coast, causing significant damage and loss of life across Louisiana and other states in the region. The storm was responsible for at least 76 deaths and more than $1 billion in damage.