1. Louisiana became the 18th state of the United States on December 2, 1812. The Louisiana Territory was purchased by the United States from France in 1803, and after years of territorial government, Louisiana was admitted to the Union as a slave state.

2. The Battle of New Orleans, a decisive American victory in the War of 1812, began on December 2, 1814. The battle lasted for two weeks and ended with the British withdrawing from the city. The victory gave Andrew Jackson national fame and helped to boost American nationalism.

3. The Louisiana Purchase Exposition, also known as the St. Louis World's Fair, closed on December 2, 1904. The fair was held to celebrate the centennial of the Louisiana Purchase and featured exhibits from around the world. It was also the first World's Fair to feature electricity.

4. The Huey P. Long Bridge, which spans the Mississippi River between New Orleans and Jefferson Parish, was dedicated on December 2, 1935. The bridge was named after Louisiana governor Huey P. Long, who was assassinated in 1935. At the time of its completion, it was the longest cantilever bridge in the world.

5. On December 2, 1980, the Louisiana Superdome hosted its first NFL game. The dome, which opened earlier that year, was built to replace the aging Tulane Stadium and became the home of the New Orleans Saints. The Superdome has also hosted numerous Super Bowls and NCAA Final Four tournaments.