Louisiana became the 18th state of the Union on April 30, 1812! It’s named after King Louis XIV of France, but you can also call it The Pelican State! Its capital is Baton Rouge, and its largest city is New Orleans! Louisiana’s state motto is “Union, Justice, Confidence!” This state is famous for its swampy bayous, Mardi Gras celebrations, jazz, zydeco, beignets, gumbo, and boiled Cajun crawdaddies!