1541 Hernando scouted Louisiana and claimed it for Spain. Early the next year he died and was buried in Louisiana.
1682 Robert de La Salle claims the Louisiana Territory for France.
1714 Natchitoches is established as the first permanent settlement.
1718 The city of New Orleans is founded.
1763 Spain gains control of Louisiana.
1803 The United States buys Louisiana as part of the Louisiana Purchase.
1804 The territory of Orleans is created.
1812 Louisiana becomes the 18th state.
1815 General Andrew Jackson defeats the British in the Battle of New Orleans, the last major battle of the War of 1812.
1849 Baton Rouge becomes the state capital.
1861 Louisiana secedes from the United States and joins the Confederacy.
1862 A Union fleet commanded by Admiral David Farragut captured New Orleans.
1868 Louisiana is readmitted to the Union.
1901 Oil is discovered.
1928 Famous politician Huey Long is elected governor.
1935 Governor Huey Long was assassinated while running for President.
1975 The New Orleans Superdome is completed.
2005 Hurricane Katrina hits the state devastating New Orleans and killing over 1,800 people.
2010 A Massive oil spill occurs off of the coastline when a BP oil rig explodes.