1. On February 23, 1861, Louisiana officially seceded from the Union, becoming the sixth state to do so. This act marked the beginning of the American Civil War, as other southern states followed Louisiana's lead in the coming months.

2. In 1870, the New Orleans Mint ceased operations on February 23 due to a lack of funding. The mint had been producing coins for nearly four decades, but declining silver stocks and other financial issues ultimately led to its closure.

3. On February 23, 1887, a massive tornado swept through northwestern Louisiana, killing at least 34 people and causing extensive property damage. The twister was part of a larger outbreak of severe weather that affected several states in the region.

4. In 1957, Louisiana native and legendary jazz musician Louis Armstrong returned to his home state for a triumphant performance in New Orleans on February 23. Armstrong had achieved worldwide fame by this time, and his concert was a major event for fans of jazz and popular music.

5. On February 23, 2019, Louisiana governor John Bel Edwards announced a major initiative to improve the state's infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and water systems. The plan, called "Louisiana's Transportation and Mobility Plan," was designed to address longstanding problems and improve the quality of life for residents throughout the state.