1. The Louisiana Purchase was signed on December 5, 1803. This agreement between the United States and France resulted in the acquisition of the Louisiana territory, which doubled the size of the United States.

2. December 5 is also known as Repeal Day in Louisiana. On this day in 1933, Prohibition was officially repealed across the country, and Louisiana was one of the first states to legalize the sale of alcohol.

3. In 1953, the Baton Rouge Bus Boycott began on December 5th. This protest was organized by the NAACP in response to the city's segregated bus system, and it inspired similar boycotts in Montgomery, Alabama and other cities.

4. The first Mardi Gras Krewe, the Mistick Krewe of Comus, made its debut in New Orleans on December 5, 1856. This secret society was responsible for many of the traditions that are still part of Mardi Gras celebrations today.

5. On December 5, 1989, the first Louisiana Renaissance Festival opened in Hammond. This annual festival celebrates the culture and history of medieval Europe, and includes jousting, live performances, and traditional crafts and food.