1. In 1699, French explorer Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville arrived in Louisiana and established the settlement of Biloxi, laying the foundation for the state's French colonial history.

2. On September 17, 1814, the Battle of Lake Borgne took place near New Orleans during the War of 1812. The battle was a precursor to the Battle of New Orleans and resulted in an American victory.

3. In 1924, Huey P. Long, who would later serve as governor and senator of Louisiana, addressed a crowd of supporters in Winnfield, declaring his intention to run for governor. Long's political legacy would have a significant impact on the state's history.

4. On September 17, 1957, the integration of Louisiana's public schools began with the enrollment of three Black students at McDonogh No. 19 in New Orleans. This event marked a major milestone in the Civil Rights Movement in Louisiana and beyond.

5. In 2005, Hurricane Rita made landfall in southwest Louisiana as a Category 3 storm, causing significant damage and widespread power outages. The storm was one of the most powerful hurricanes to hit the state in recent history, and its aftermath had a lasting impact on many Louisiana communities.