1. Juneteenth: June 19 is celebrated as Juneteenth, a holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. On this day in 1865, Union soldiers arrived in Texas and announced the end of the Civil War and the abolition of slavery. Although the Emancipation Proclamation had been signed two and a half years earlier, it wasn't until this date that the news of freedom reached all parts of the country.

2. The Battle of Milliken's Bend: In 1863, just two years before Juneteenth, Louisiana was the site of a significant Civil War battle. The Battle of Milliken's Bend, located near Vicksburg, Mississippi, was fought between Union soldiers, many of whom were African-American, and Confederate troops. Despite being outnumbered, the Union forces emerged victorious, dealing a critical blow to the Confederacy.

3. Louisiana Purchase: June 19, 1804, marks the day that the Louisiana Purchase was officially signed into law. President Thomas Jefferson negotiated the purchase of the Louisiana Territory from France for $15 million, doubling the size of the United States.

4. First Louisiana Governor: On June 19, 1812, Louisiana's first governor, William C.C. Claiborne, took office. Claiborne served as governor for over 14 years and helped shape the state during a critical time in its history.

5. The Birth of Lenny Kravitz: Louisiana native Lenny Kravitz, a Grammy Award-winning musician and actor, was born on June 19, 1964, in New York City. Kravitz, known for hits like "Fly Away" and "American Woman," has sold over 40 million albums worldwide and has also been recognized for his acting work, including his role in the 2018 film, "Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald."