LOUISIANA
State Flag

Louisiana has had a variety of flags flown over its land. In 1541 deSoto claimed the territory for Spain, then LaSalle claimed it for the Bourbon French government. For a while the Union Jack of Great Britain flew over part of the territory. Then Napoleon flew his flag over the land, obtaining it from the spanish. The Lone Star flag of the Republic of West Florida also had it's turn, then the U.S. flag came around 1803 when Thomas Jefferson purchased the territory from Napoleon. However, the changes didn't stop there...as before the civil war Louisiana declared it's independence from the U.S and flew it's own flag. After joining the confederacy the flag was changed once again. After the war the flag of Stars and Stripes were returned and has remained. The flag picture above is the state flag. It bears the State Seal and State Motto.

Other State Emblems
The State Bird is the Brown Pelican. It's known for it's large bill which has an extendable pouch at it's lower end.The Brown Pelican is now on the endangered species list.
The State dog is the Catahoula Leopard which is a cross between the Catahoula Indian domestic dog and the Spanish war dog of the 1500's. It has unusual glassy eyes, webbed feet, spotted coat and is gentle with children.

The State Flower is the extremely fragrant bloom of the Magnolia tree which is an evergreen tree.
The State Tree is the Bald Cypress whose shape depends on the amount and duration of flooding. It's branches have feathery patterned leaves in flat planes.
The State seal was adopted in 1902. The Louisiana Motto of Union, Justice, and Confidence, surrounds a Mother Pelican who is tearing at her breasts to feed it's young.

For More information about our state this is a great site to visit, especially for current events.Louisiana Travel
Lafayette Information

University of Louisiana at Lafayette!
State of Louisiana Dept. of TourismHOMEPAGE