United States Tourism

History

Louisiana has the most colorful history of any state and of many countries. Beginning long before the Louisiana Purchase, our state took shape in prehistoric times. We have had a past of many battles, on the battlefield and in the political arena. Our architecture is a lasting impression of French and Spanish rule. Today, there are many reminders of the past in our museums, plantations, historic sites and attractions.

Civil War
If you're a Civil War buff, Louisiana offers you the opportunity to visit forts, battlegrounds and other important links to our Civil War history. We also have 27 sites on the Civil War Discovery Trail. To purchase a book listing these sites, call (800) CWTRUST.

Main Street
Louisiana's Main Street downtowns have much to offer: historic architecture, museums, interpretive history centers, walking tours, regional arts, performing arts, festivals, bed and breakfast establishments, shopping and restaurants. For more information on the Main Street communities in the areas you plan to visit, click here.

Museums
Learn all about Storyville, New Orleans' notorious red-light district where jazz was born. Splash ashore with the soldiers of D-Day. See exhibits on 130 years of prison life. View Civil War displays created by the actual soldiers. You'll find history and cultural heritage preserved and interpreted by more than 200 museums statewide. For more on Louisiana's State Museums including the Cabildo, the Presbytere and the Old U.S. Mint in New Orleans and the Old Courthouse Museum in Natchitoches, call (800) 568-6968. For more on other state-managed museums, click here. For more on Louisiana's independent museums and historic sites, call (225) 383-6800.

World War II
World War II was fought in the Mediterranean, the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, in the Soviet Union, North Africa, Western Europe and Asia. Some 56 countries were involved in the conflicts. Louisiana was in the forefront on the home front … training massive numbers of troops and manufacturing the vessels that have been said to be responsible for winning the war. For more information, visit the The National WWII Musuem.

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Louisiana Tourism