Louisiana on This Day
@louisianaotd.bsky.social
21 Jul 1861
The Battle of Bull Run, the first battle of the Civil War, is fought in Virginia and won by the Confederates. The Seventh Louisiana, Eighth Louisiana and the Washington Artillery Regiments represent the state in the Army of the Potomac commanded by Gen. Beauregard.
The Battle of Bull Run, the first battle of the Civil War, is fought in Virginia and won by the Confederates. The Seventh Louisiana, Eighth Louisiana and the Washington Artillery Regiments represent the state in the Army of the Potomac commanded by Gen. Beauregard.
August 15, 2025 at 1:17 PM
21 Jul 1861
The Battle of Bull Run, the first battle of the Civil War, is fought in Virginia and won by the Confederates. The Seventh Louisiana, Eighth Louisiana and the Washington Artillery Regiments represent the state in the Army of the Potomac commanded by Gen. Beauregard.
The Battle of Bull Run, the first battle of the Civil War, is fought in Virginia and won by the Confederates. The Seventh Louisiana, Eighth Louisiana and the Washington Artillery Regiments represent the state in the Army of the Potomac commanded by Gen. Beauregard.
20 Jul 1968
The Council for the Development of French in Louisiana is formed to preserve and promote French language and culture through outreach, festivals, and education. It is the only state agency in the nation dedicated to a linguistic population.
The Council for the Development of French in Louisiana is formed to preserve and promote French language and culture through outreach, festivals, and education. It is the only state agency in the nation dedicated to a linguistic population.
August 15, 2025 at 12:56 PM
20 Jul 1968
The Council for the Development of French in Louisiana is formed to preserve and promote French language and culture through outreach, festivals, and education. It is the only state agency in the nation dedicated to a linguistic population.
The Council for the Development of French in Louisiana is formed to preserve and promote French language and culture through outreach, festivals, and education. It is the only state agency in the nation dedicated to a linguistic population.
19 Jul 1888
Pioneer conservationist, archeologist, and ethnographer Caroline Dormon is born in Saline, Louisiana. She helps establish Kisatchie National Forest and the Louisiana State Arboretum.
Pioneer conservationist, archeologist, and ethnographer Caroline Dormon is born in Saline, Louisiana. She helps establish Kisatchie National Forest and the Louisiana State Arboretum.
August 15, 2025 at 12:42 PM
19 Jul 1888
Pioneer conservationist, archeologist, and ethnographer Caroline Dormon is born in Saline, Louisiana. She helps establish Kisatchie National Forest and the Louisiana State Arboretum.
Pioneer conservationist, archeologist, and ethnographer Caroline Dormon is born in Saline, Louisiana. She helps establish Kisatchie National Forest and the Louisiana State Arboretum.
18 Jul 1949
New Orleans Jazz Club airs its first radio broadcast over WWL-AM, heard throughout the US and much of Canada. The group was formed in 1948 when 25 people gathered at a record store on Baronne St. It opens the new New Orleans Jazz Museum in 1961.
New Orleans Jazz Club airs its first radio broadcast over WWL-AM, heard throughout the US and much of Canada. The group was formed in 1948 when 25 people gathered at a record store on Baronne St. It opens the new New Orleans Jazz Museum in 1961.
August 13, 2025 at 2:05 AM
18 Jul 1949
New Orleans Jazz Club airs its first radio broadcast over WWL-AM, heard throughout the US and much of Canada. The group was formed in 1948 when 25 people gathered at a record store on Baronne St. It opens the new New Orleans Jazz Museum in 1961.
New Orleans Jazz Club airs its first radio broadcast over WWL-AM, heard throughout the US and much of Canada. The group was formed in 1948 when 25 people gathered at a record store on Baronne St. It opens the new New Orleans Jazz Museum in 1961.
17 Jul 1984
Notorious buzzkill Ronald Reagan signs into law the National Minimum Drinking Age Act which requires states to raise their age requirement to 21 in exchange for highway funding.
Notorious buzzkill Ronald Reagan signs into law the National Minimum Drinking Age Act which requires states to raise their age requirement to 21 in exchange for highway funding.
August 11, 2025 at 4:17 PM
17 Jul 1984
Notorious buzzkill Ronald Reagan signs into law the National Minimum Drinking Age Act which requires states to raise their age requirement to 21 in exchange for highway funding.
Notorious buzzkill Ronald Reagan signs into law the National Minimum Drinking Age Act which requires states to raise their age requirement to 21 in exchange for highway funding.
16 Jul 1886
Prosper Lamal, Belgian businessman in charge of the Belgium’s exhibit at the World’s Industrial and Cotton Centennial Exposition, is wed to New Orleanian sales clerk Marie Grandmont. He settles in New Orleans with his new wife rather than continuing his travels.
Prosper Lamal, Belgian businessman in charge of the Belgium’s exhibit at the World’s Industrial and Cotton Centennial Exposition, is wed to New Orleanian sales clerk Marie Grandmont. He settles in New Orleans with his new wife rather than continuing his travels.
August 8, 2025 at 1:46 PM
16 Jul 1886
Prosper Lamal, Belgian businessman in charge of the Belgium’s exhibit at the World’s Industrial and Cotton Centennial Exposition, is wed to New Orleanian sales clerk Marie Grandmont. He settles in New Orleans with his new wife rather than continuing his travels.
Prosper Lamal, Belgian businessman in charge of the Belgium’s exhibit at the World’s Industrial and Cotton Centennial Exposition, is wed to New Orleanian sales clerk Marie Grandmont. He settles in New Orleans with his new wife rather than continuing his travels.
15 Jul 1967
NBC allows District Attorney Jim Garrison to respond to a previous NBC report that was highly critical of both his reasoning and his methods in pursuit of Kennedy conspirators. Several witnesses claim to have been offered bribes in exchange for providing testimony.
NBC allows District Attorney Jim Garrison to respond to a previous NBC report that was highly critical of both his reasoning and his methods in pursuit of Kennedy conspirators. Several witnesses claim to have been offered bribes in exchange for providing testimony.
August 8, 2025 at 1:30 PM
15 Jul 1967
NBC allows District Attorney Jim Garrison to respond to a previous NBC report that was highly critical of both his reasoning and his methods in pursuit of Kennedy conspirators. Several witnesses claim to have been offered bribes in exchange for providing testimony.
NBC allows District Attorney Jim Garrison to respond to a previous NBC report that was highly critical of both his reasoning and his methods in pursuit of Kennedy conspirators. Several witnesses claim to have been offered bribes in exchange for providing testimony.
14 July 1969
The landmark film Easy Rider is released telling the tale of two cocaine smugglers' attempt to make it New Orleans for Mardi Gras after a big payout. The movie's positive reception sparked a brief increase in tourism to the city.
The landmark film Easy Rider is released telling the tale of two cocaine smugglers' attempt to make it New Orleans for Mardi Gras after a big payout. The movie's positive reception sparked a brief increase in tourism to the city.
August 5, 2025 at 3:02 PM
14 July 1969
The landmark film Easy Rider is released telling the tale of two cocaine smugglers' attempt to make it New Orleans for Mardi Gras after a big payout. The movie's positive reception sparked a brief increase in tourism to the city.
The landmark film Easy Rider is released telling the tale of two cocaine smugglers' attempt to make it New Orleans for Mardi Gras after a big payout. The movie's positive reception sparked a brief increase in tourism to the city.
13 Jul 1934
The State Park Commission of Louisiana (now the Louisiana Office of State Parks) is established to manage seven new parks. 1952 legislation broadens its role to include outdoor recreation. Today, there are 21 state parks to visit. Touch grass every once in a while.
The State Park Commission of Louisiana (now the Louisiana Office of State Parks) is established to manage seven new parks. 1952 legislation broadens its role to include outdoor recreation. Today, there are 21 state parks to visit. Touch grass every once in a while.
August 5, 2025 at 2:00 PM
13 Jul 1934
The State Park Commission of Louisiana (now the Louisiana Office of State Parks) is established to manage seven new parks. 1952 legislation broadens its role to include outdoor recreation. Today, there are 21 state parks to visit. Touch grass every once in a while.
The State Park Commission of Louisiana (now the Louisiana Office of State Parks) is established to manage seven new parks. 1952 legislation broadens its role to include outdoor recreation. Today, there are 21 state parks to visit. Touch grass every once in a while.
12 Jul 1927
Tom Benson is born in New Orleans. The St. Aloysius graduate, Navy veteran, Loyola dropout, and Saints owner is a household name even after his death in 2018.
Tom Benson is born in New Orleans. The St. Aloysius graduate, Navy veteran, Loyola dropout, and Saints owner is a household name even after his death in 2018.
August 5, 2025 at 1:32 PM
12 Jul 1927
Tom Benson is born in New Orleans. The St. Aloysius graduate, Navy veteran, Loyola dropout, and Saints owner is a household name even after his death in 2018.
Tom Benson is born in New Orleans. The St. Aloysius graduate, Navy veteran, Loyola dropout, and Saints owner is a household name even after his death in 2018.
11 Jul 1764
Britain permits Acadians to legally return to British territories, provided they take an oath of loyalty, ending the Great Expulsion that began in 1755 with the Seven Years’ War looming overhead.
Britain permits Acadians to legally return to British territories, provided they take an oath of loyalty, ending the Great Expulsion that began in 1755 with the Seven Years’ War looming overhead.
August 4, 2025 at 1:00 AM
11 Jul 1764
Britain permits Acadians to legally return to British territories, provided they take an oath of loyalty, ending the Great Expulsion that began in 1755 with the Seven Years’ War looming overhead.
Britain permits Acadians to legally return to British territories, provided they take an oath of loyalty, ending the Great Expulsion that began in 1755 with the Seven Years’ War looming overhead.
10 Jul 1912
Loyola University is chartered. The College of the Immaculate Conception separates its college and high school and becomes solely a secondary education institution, now known as Jesuit High School. Loyola becomes the Jesuits’ New Orleans collegiate institution.
Loyola University is chartered. The College of the Immaculate Conception separates its college and high school and becomes solely a secondary education institution, now known as Jesuit High School. Loyola becomes the Jesuits’ New Orleans collegiate institution.
August 4, 2025 at 12:36 AM
10 Jul 1912
Loyola University is chartered. The College of the Immaculate Conception separates its college and high school and becomes solely a secondary education institution, now known as Jesuit High School. Loyola becomes the Jesuits’ New Orleans collegiate institution.
Loyola University is chartered. The College of the Immaculate Conception separates its college and high school and becomes solely a secondary education institution, now known as Jesuit High School. Loyola becomes the Jesuits’ New Orleans collegiate institution.
9 Jul 1979
Gov. Edwin Edwards signs House Bill #75 making the Catahoula Leopard Dog the official dog of the state of Louisiana.
Gov. Edwin Edwards signs House Bill #75 making the Catahoula Leopard Dog the official dog of the state of Louisiana.
August 4, 2025 at 12:26 AM
9 Jul 1979
Gov. Edwin Edwards signs House Bill #75 making the Catahoula Leopard Dog the official dog of the state of Louisiana.
Gov. Edwin Edwards signs House Bill #75 making the Catahoula Leopard Dog the official dog of the state of Louisiana.
8 Jul 1923
An advertisement appears for the Crestmont Park subdivision in Old Metairie.
An advertisement appears for the Crestmont Park subdivision in Old Metairie.
August 4, 2025 at 12:24 AM
8 Jul 1923
An advertisement appears for the Crestmont Park subdivision in Old Metairie.
An advertisement appears for the Crestmont Park subdivision in Old Metairie.
6 Jul 1769
Spanish general Alejandro O’Reilly sets sail for Louisiana with 23 ships carrying 2100 soldiers to reestablish control after the Rebellion of 1768. After the Seven Years’ War, France cedes Louisiana to Spain, and Spain sends Antonio de Ulloa to govern the territory.
Spanish general Alejandro O’Reilly sets sail for Louisiana with 23 ships carrying 2100 soldiers to reestablish control after the Rebellion of 1768. After the Seven Years’ War, France cedes Louisiana to Spain, and Spain sends Antonio de Ulloa to govern the territory.
July 24, 2025 at 6:18 PM
6 Jul 1769
Spanish general Alejandro O’Reilly sets sail for Louisiana with 23 ships carrying 2100 soldiers to reestablish control after the Rebellion of 1768. After the Seven Years’ War, France cedes Louisiana to Spain, and Spain sends Antonio de Ulloa to govern the territory.
Spanish general Alejandro O’Reilly sets sail for Louisiana with 23 ships carrying 2100 soldiers to reestablish control after the Rebellion of 1768. After the Seven Years’ War, France cedes Louisiana to Spain, and Spain sends Antonio de Ulloa to govern the territory.
5 Jul 1974
The State Legislature adopts the official flag of Acadiana. The flag is designed by Dr. Thomas Arceneaux of the University of Southwestern Louisiana (now ULL), an early proponent of the Cajun Renaissance.
The State Legislature adopts the official flag of Acadiana. The flag is designed by Dr. Thomas Arceneaux of the University of Southwestern Louisiana (now ULL), an early proponent of the Cajun Renaissance.
July 24, 2025 at 6:01 PM
5 Jul 1974
The State Legislature adopts the official flag of Acadiana. The flag is designed by Dr. Thomas Arceneaux of the University of Southwestern Louisiana (now ULL), an early proponent of the Cajun Renaissance.
The State Legislature adopts the official flag of Acadiana. The flag is designed by Dr. Thomas Arceneaux of the University of Southwestern Louisiana (now ULL), an early proponent of the Cajun Renaissance.
4 Jul 1961
Fort Jesup, 22 miles west of Natchitoches, is designated a National Historic Landmark. For most of the 1700s, the border between Louisiana and Mexico was questionable. By 1822, newly-independent Mexico and the United States were bickering over the Texas border.
Fort Jesup, 22 miles west of Natchitoches, is designated a National Historic Landmark. For most of the 1700s, the border between Louisiana and Mexico was questionable. By 1822, newly-independent Mexico and the United States were bickering over the Texas border.
July 24, 2025 at 5:44 PM
4 Jul 1961
Fort Jesup, 22 miles west of Natchitoches, is designated a National Historic Landmark. For most of the 1700s, the border between Louisiana and Mexico was questionable. By 1822, newly-independent Mexico and the United States were bickering over the Texas border.
Fort Jesup, 22 miles west of Natchitoches, is designated a National Historic Landmark. For most of the 1700s, the border between Louisiana and Mexico was questionable. By 1822, newly-independent Mexico and the United States were bickering over the Texas border.
3 Jul 1990
The diatonic accordion is made the official state musical instrument by Governor Buddy Roemer. Brought to Louisiana by German immigrants in the 1800s, it quickly becomes a staple of Cajun and Creole music.
The diatonic accordion is made the official state musical instrument by Governor Buddy Roemer. Brought to Louisiana by German immigrants in the 1800s, it quickly becomes a staple of Cajun and Creole music.
July 3, 2025 at 1:43 PM
3 Jul 1990
The diatonic accordion is made the official state musical instrument by Governor Buddy Roemer. Brought to Louisiana by German immigrants in the 1800s, it quickly becomes a staple of Cajun and Creole music.
The diatonic accordion is made the official state musical instrument by Governor Buddy Roemer. Brought to Louisiana by German immigrants in the 1800s, it quickly becomes a staple of Cajun and Creole music.
2 Jul 1964
President Johnson signs the Civil Rights Act. Louisiana Democrat Senators Allen Ellender and Russell Long vote against it. Ellender also opposed anti-lynching bills saying on the Senate floor, “We shall at all cost preserve the white supremacy of America.”
President Johnson signs the Civil Rights Act. Louisiana Democrat Senators Allen Ellender and Russell Long vote against it. Ellender also opposed anti-lynching bills saying on the Senate floor, “We shall at all cost preserve the white supremacy of America.”
July 3, 2025 at 1:18 PM
2 Jul 1964
President Johnson signs the Civil Rights Act. Louisiana Democrat Senators Allen Ellender and Russell Long vote against it. Ellender also opposed anti-lynching bills saying on the Senate floor, “We shall at all cost preserve the white supremacy of America.”
President Johnson signs the Civil Rights Act. Louisiana Democrat Senators Allen Ellender and Russell Long vote against it. Ellender also opposed anti-lynching bills saying on the Senate floor, “We shall at all cost preserve the white supremacy of America.”
1 Jul 1972
The Doobie Brothers release a second album, Toulouse Street, to significant critical acclaim. Touring after the release of their first album, New Orleans was the final stop. The cover features the band in a brothel on Toulouse Street in the French Quarter.
The Doobie Brothers release a second album, Toulouse Street, to significant critical acclaim. Touring after the release of their first album, New Orleans was the final stop. The cover features the band in a brothel on Toulouse Street in the French Quarter.
July 3, 2025 at 1:00 PM
1 Jul 1972
The Doobie Brothers release a second album, Toulouse Street, to significant critical acclaim. Touring after the release of their first album, New Orleans was the final stop. The cover features the band in a brothel on Toulouse Street in the French Quarter.
The Doobie Brothers release a second album, Toulouse Street, to significant critical acclaim. Touring after the release of their first album, New Orleans was the final stop. The cover features the band in a brothel on Toulouse Street in the French Quarter.
30 Jun 1870
Thomas Leathers and John Cannon, business rivals and personal enemies, leave St. Mary’s Market off Canal St. headed to St. Louis in a highly publicized steamboat race. Cannon’s Robert E Lee defeats Leathers’s Natchez and breaks the record Natchez set 2 weeks earlier.
Thomas Leathers and John Cannon, business rivals and personal enemies, leave St. Mary’s Market off Canal St. headed to St. Louis in a highly publicized steamboat race. Cannon’s Robert E Lee defeats Leathers’s Natchez and breaks the record Natchez set 2 weeks earlier.
July 3, 2025 at 12:55 PM
30 Jun 1870
Thomas Leathers and John Cannon, business rivals and personal enemies, leave St. Mary’s Market off Canal St. headed to St. Louis in a highly publicized steamboat race. Cannon’s Robert E Lee defeats Leathers’s Natchez and breaks the record Natchez set 2 weeks earlier.
Thomas Leathers and John Cannon, business rivals and personal enemies, leave St. Mary’s Market off Canal St. headed to St. Louis in a highly publicized steamboat race. Cannon’s Robert E Lee defeats Leathers’s Natchez and breaks the record Natchez set 2 weeks earlier.
29 Jun 1970
At dawn on Monday morning, Dr. John, Tami Lynn, and Shirley Goodman represent Louisiana and close out the first and only Bath Festival of Blues and Progressive Music in Somerset, England. It was a failure due to logistical issues including staffing and accessibility.
At dawn on Monday morning, Dr. John, Tami Lynn, and Shirley Goodman represent Louisiana and close out the first and only Bath Festival of Blues and Progressive Music in Somerset, England. It was a failure due to logistical issues including staffing and accessibility.
July 3, 2025 at 12:33 PM
29 Jun 1970
At dawn on Monday morning, Dr. John, Tami Lynn, and Shirley Goodman represent Louisiana and close out the first and only Bath Festival of Blues and Progressive Music in Somerset, England. It was a failure due to logistical issues including staffing and accessibility.
At dawn on Monday morning, Dr. John, Tami Lynn, and Shirley Goodman represent Louisiana and close out the first and only Bath Festival of Blues and Progressive Music in Somerset, England. It was a failure due to logistical issues including staffing and accessibility.
28 Jun 2007
The Death Penalty Information Center awards an Annual Thurgood Marshall Journalism Award to The Angolite, the prison’s inmate edited and published magazine, for “exceptional contribution to coverage of capital punishment issues.”
The Death Penalty Information Center awards an Annual Thurgood Marshall Journalism Award to The Angolite, the prison’s inmate edited and published magazine, for “exceptional contribution to coverage of capital punishment issues.”
July 2, 2025 at 10:51 AM
28 Jun 2007
The Death Penalty Information Center awards an Annual Thurgood Marshall Journalism Award to The Angolite, the prison’s inmate edited and published magazine, for “exceptional contribution to coverage of capital punishment issues.”
The Death Penalty Information Center awards an Annual Thurgood Marshall Journalism Award to The Angolite, the prison’s inmate edited and published magazine, for “exceptional contribution to coverage of capital punishment issues.”
27 Jun 2023
LDWF renames Camp Beauregard Wildlife Management Area in Rapides and Grant Parishes to Esler Field WMA after Esler Airfield nearby to move away from Confederate naming practices. Both the airport and the conservation park are used primarily for National Guard training.
LDWF renames Camp Beauregard Wildlife Management Area in Rapides and Grant Parishes to Esler Field WMA after Esler Airfield nearby to move away from Confederate naming practices. Both the airport and the conservation park are used primarily for National Guard training.
July 2, 2025 at 10:43 AM
27 Jun 2023
LDWF renames Camp Beauregard Wildlife Management Area in Rapides and Grant Parishes to Esler Field WMA after Esler Airfield nearby to move away from Confederate naming practices. Both the airport and the conservation park are used primarily for National Guard training.
LDWF renames Camp Beauregard Wildlife Management Area in Rapides and Grant Parishes to Esler Field WMA after Esler Airfield nearby to move away from Confederate naming practices. Both the airport and the conservation park are used primarily for National Guard training.
26 Jun 1946
Let the Good Times Roll is written by Louisiana singer Sam Theard and recorded by Louis Jordan and his Tympany Five. Zydeco covers go from English to French, “laissez les bons temps rouler,” which becomes the unofficial catch phrase of the city of New Orleans.
Let the Good Times Roll is written by Louisiana singer Sam Theard and recorded by Louis Jordan and his Tympany Five. Zydeco covers go from English to French, “laissez les bons temps rouler,” which becomes the unofficial catch phrase of the city of New Orleans.
July 2, 2025 at 10:23 AM
26 Jun 1946
Let the Good Times Roll is written by Louisiana singer Sam Theard and recorded by Louis Jordan and his Tympany Five. Zydeco covers go from English to French, “laissez les bons temps rouler,” which becomes the unofficial catch phrase of the city of New Orleans.
Let the Good Times Roll is written by Louisiana singer Sam Theard and recorded by Louis Jordan and his Tympany Five. Zydeco covers go from English to French, “laissez les bons temps rouler,” which becomes the unofficial catch phrase of the city of New Orleans.