Since 1541, Louisiana has been governed under ten different flags, starting with that of Hernando de Soto, a man who claimed the region for Spain ("About the Louisiana"). For six weeks after the start of the Civil War, Louisiana had become an independent commonwealth before finally joining the Confederacy. The Louisiana Purchase was negotiated by President Thomas Jefferson in 1803 to obtain a portion of Louisiana into American hands, which was considered essential (“About Louisiana”). Louisiana was a center of trade and finance throughout much of its early history and was one of the most prosperous regions in America due to its abundant land. On April 30, 1812, after being admitted to the union, Louisiana became the eighteenth state of the United States ("About Louisiana"). Later, after sulfur and oil were discovered in 1869 and 1901, Louisiana became part of America's major oil and natural gas producing industry, of which Louisiana is still a part today. Many people believe that the capital of Louisiana is New Orleans because it is the most populated city and one of the most popular, but the capital is actually Baton Rouge. Louisiana also has a motto that reads “Union, Justice, Trust.” (“Louisiana Information”). Louisiana is filled with a large number of diverse and varied people, ranging from French, Spanish, English, Germans and Acadians to West Indians, Africans, Irish and Italians, and they were all part of the original settlers who founded the state (“ About Louisiana"). They are also the ones who inspired the "Cajun Country" that Louisiana is today by bringing with them their culture, traditions and heritage. The original French pronunciation of w......middle of paper......National Football Championship, and this was in 1958, the year before they won their first Sugar Bowl. The College World Series was also won four times, between 1991 and 1997, by the Louisiana State University baseball team ("Louisiana Population 2013"). Explore. Np, nd Web. 05 April 2014.Chiesa, Loletrazine. "Tourist Attractions in New Orleans." Travel tips. Media and Web Question. April 03, 2014. "Current Louisiana Population Demographics and Statistics by Age, Sex, and Race." SuburbanStats.org. Np, nd Web. 06 April 2014."Information for." LSU History. NP, Dec. 13, 2013. Web. Apr. 3, 2014. “Louisiana Population 2013.” World population statistics. Np, July 10, 2013. Web. April 06, 2014. Richard, Cicely A. “Tourist Attractions in New Orleans, Louisiana.” Travel tips. Media and Web question. 03 April. 2014.