Louisiana is a piece of France in the deep south of America. Here you take time for the finer things in life – for example for the Creole cuisine. Louisiana is considered a “typical” southern state. This means that the country has a relatively high percentage of African American residents.
According to acronymmonster, the Afro-Americans of Louisiana are descendants of the former slaves who worked on the huge plantations. Their culture has meanwhile mixed impressively with that of many European immigrants – above all that of the French. This mixture determines the pace of the residents to this day and is what gives Louisiana its special charm. The country has two surnames. On the one hand, it is called “Pelican State” because it has a pelican in its coat of arms. But it is also known as the “Bayou State”, derived from the large swamps in the Mississippi Delta.
Louisiana is bordered by Arkansas to the north, Texas to the west, and Mississippi to the east. In the south the country is bordered by the Gulf of Mexico. The most famous city is clearly New Orleans However, Baton Rouge has the rank of the official capital. The name “Louisiana” goes back to the Sun King Louis XIV of France. Until April 30, 1803, the country was a French colony. With the so-called “Louisiana Purchase”, however, it then became the property of the United States. President Thomas Jefferson had to transfer $ 15 million to Napoleon I at the time. For this, he negotiated an area that has rich mineral resources and fertile soil. Oil and natural gas are plentiful, and good business is also made with sulfur and rock salt. Agriculture mainly produces cotton, sugar cane and rice. But extensive tobacco and vegetable plantations are also not uncommon. In the recent past tourism has gained a prominent place in the country’s economy. Many US visitors come to Louisiana for the gambling. Another attraction, of course also for international guests, is the “Mardi Gras”, the New Orleans Carnival. However, the city was badly damaged by Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and has still not fully recovered.
Nature
Louisiana offers extremely varied and interesting landscapes. In the south, on the Gulf of Mexico, there are wonderful beaches and swamps with dense cypress forests. But there are also lake districts with fish-rich waters and gentle, wooded hills for hikers. “Nature Trails” lead through the most attractive landscapes. One of the most rewarding trails is the “Creole Nature Trail”, which leads through the large nature reserve “Cajun Country”. Over a length of almost 300 kilometers, the path follows the transition from the prairie to the swamps and offers bird lovers in particular unique experiences in nature. Alligator fans have come to the right place – so please watch out!
Climate
Louisiana is blessed with warm summers and mild winters. In the Gulf of Mexico, it is still easy to endure when it gets really hot and humid. If you have problems with high humidity, it is better to travel in autumn or spring. But then you have to have a warm jacket in your luggage as the temperatures can change very quickly, very dramatically.
Landmarks
A visit to New Orleans is a must. The former colonial city has retained its French charm, especially in the old town, the so-called French Quarter. But this also shows that New Orleans is the capital of jazz. By the way, one of her most famous sons is Louis Armstrong. The house where he was born was unfortunately torn down in the sixties. Still there is a lot to see. New Orleans has an excellent art museum and with the “Superdome” one of the largest sports arenas in the world. Also worth seeing are the plantations with their large mansions, as seen in the film “Gone with the Wind”. The most beautiful are located around the capital Baton Rouge. Lake Charles, on the other hand, is the destination for anyone who would like to gamble. In the city there is one casino after another.
Excursion possibilities
The tourist can go on beautiful boat tours both on the Gulf of Mexico and on many lakes. The best way to explore the swamps of the country is on a guided tour. There are swamps both in the Mississippi Delta and inland. Five national parks invite you to go hiking or to explore by bike and car. With 400 festivals every year, every day of vacation should at least theoretically allow attending a different event. This is how music and art are celebrated in Louisiana, but the culinary delights are not neglected either. The “seafood” festivals on the Gulf are legendary and feature excellent oysters, crabs, crabs and lobsters.
Vacation activities
Everything is possible, what can it be? Swimming, fishing or other water sports? Hiking, golfing, horse riding? Except for high mountain climbing, nothing to be desired in Louisiana. There are many zoos, a water park and various theme parks especially for younger guests.
