1. Louisiana Native Became the First African-American to Win a Nobel Peace Prize on October 2, 1964

On October 2, 1964, Louisiana native Martin Luther King Jr. was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his work in the advancement of civil rights in the United States. King became the youngest person ever to receive the prize, having been only 35 years old at the time of his win.

2. Battle of Baton Rouge Fought on October 2, 1862

On October 2, 1862, the Confederate Army tried unsuccessfully to retake Baton Rouge in a battle that lasted all day. In the end, the Union forces emerged victorious, with the Confederates retreating to Port Hudson.

3. Louisiana Governor Publicly Opposes Integration in 1962

On October 2, 1962, Louisiana Governor Jimmie Davis publicly opposed integration, saying "the mixing of the races is wrong, and no good can come of it." This was just one of several controversial statements made by Davis during his time as Governor.

4. Hurricane Audrey Hits Louisiana in 1957

On October 2, 1957, Hurricane Audrey made landfall on the Louisiana coast, causing widespread devastation in the region. The storm, which was the deadliest of the 1957 Atlantic hurricane season, claimed the lives of over 400 people.

5. Louisiana Becomes a State on October 2, 1812

On October 2, 1812, Louisiana officially became the 18th state in the United States, after having been admitted to the Union by President James Madison. This was a significant moment in the history of Louisiana, as it solidified the state's place as an integral part of the greater United States.