Louisiana

Louisiana—where the land hums with the rhythm of jazz and the hush of Spanish moss, and where history unfolds not just in grand halls but on front porches, riverbanks, and neon-lit corners. This is a state of vibrant contradictions: a cradle of colonial power and a crucible of rebellion, the birthplace of both zydeco and sno-balls, of Civil Rights heroes and swamp spirits. In the pages ahead, you’ll trace stories that span from sugarcane to space age, from Huey Long’s towering ambitions to the quiet resilience of CCC-built cabins. From New Orleans’ elegant decay to the unyielding strength of Grambling’s gridiron, Louisiana tells its story in brass bands and bayous, in filigreed ironwork and fiery gumbo pots. Prepare to uncover the curious, the consequential, and the utterly Cajun in this most singular of American states. 

Pre-historic mounds... military maneuvers... pralines... iron horses... sugar... oil derricks... football... French souvenirs... Huey Long... the CCC... Art Deco stunners... kit houses... the golden age of motoring... canals... the Chitlin Circuit... The Banana Man... aviation... pirates... slave quarters... Creole culture... Carnegie libraries... grave houses... Bonnie and Clyde... horse racing. This book will have you telling stories like a native in no time.

The photos and stories collected here are a fast and fun way to learn the explanations behind the quirks, the traditions and the secrets that make Louisiana uniquely Louisiana. What Louisiana building was constructed as a residence for Napoleon Bonaparte? Solved. What Louisiana architect had an ultra popular design style named for him? A mystery no more. What Louisiana lighthouse was selected for a United States Postal Service commemorative stamp? Identified. Where can you find original examples of United States “parkitecture?” Revealed.

in print and ebook
Where ginger cakes and French bread rise, Five generations kept the prize. A wagon first, then truck in gear— The scent of warmth still lingers here. In brick and dough and stories spun, The ovens glow as they’ve long done.

Where ginger cakes and French bread rise, Five generations kept the prize. A wagon first, then truck in gear— The scent of warmth still lingers here. In brick and dough and stories spun, The ovens glow as they’ve long done.

A lonely stone where nations met, The last such marker standing yet. “R.T.” for Texas, bold and proud, The U.S. carved its claim aloud. Through fever, swamps, and border fight, This granite guard still marks the right.

A lonely stone where nations met, The last such marker standing yet. “R.T.” for Texas, bold and proud, The U.S. carved its claim aloud. Through fever, swamps, and border fight, This granite guard still marks the right.

Where Choctaw came to trade their goods, Now powdered beignets scent the woods. Electric strikers got their bite From po’boys served in bread just right. Five blocks long, a market grand— Where centuries passed, hand to hand.

Where Choctaw came to trade their goods, Now powdered beignets scent the woods. Electric strikers got their bite From po’boys served in bread just right. Five blocks long, a market grand— Where centuries passed, hand to hand.

No dome of white or Grecian base— This Gothic gem defied the race. A castle bold with pointed spire, Where laws were lit by windowed fire. Now history lives in turrets tall— Louisiana’s medieval hall.

No dome of white or Grecian base— This Gothic gem defied the race. A castle bold with pointed spire, Where laws were lit by windowed fire. Now history lives in turrets tall— Louisiana’s medieval hall.

Here, the deal that doubled the land— A parchment signed by Jefferson’s hand. The Purchase made, the council gone, But civic life kept rolling on. Now tourists trace the echoing sound, Of liberty spoken in Spanish ground.

Here, the deal that doubled the land— A parchment signed by Jefferson’s hand. The Purchase made, the council gone, But civic life kept rolling on. Now tourists trace the echoing sound, Of liberty spoken in Spanish ground.

Before the jazz, the gumbo stew, The ponies ran where wild things flew. When snobs turned Howard’s bid away, He bought a track to make them pay. And now each March and Thankful morn, The Fairgrounds trumpets thoroughbred horn.

Before the jazz, the gumbo stew, The ponies ran where wild things flew. When snobs turned Howard’s bid away, He bought a track to make them pay. And now each March and Thankful morn, The Fairgrounds trumpets thoroughbred horn.