1. Louisiana was admitted as a state on March 16, 1812. It became the 18th state to join the Union.

2. On March 16, 1872, the city of Shreveport was incorporated in Louisiana. It is currently the third-largest city in the state.

3. The first jazz festival in Louisiana, the Congo Square Jazz Festival, took place on March 16, 1974. It was held in New Orleans, which is known as the birthplace of jazz.

4. March 16, 2018 was declared “Big Freedia Day” in the state of Louisiana. Big Freedia is a famous New Orleans bounce artist who has brought attention to the city’s unique music culture.

5. Louisiana Governor Kathleen Blanco declared a state of emergency on March 16, 2006 due to a massive wildfire in the state’s Kisatchie National Forest. The fire burned for over a month and destroyed over 36,000 acres of forestland.