Happy Birthday Louisiana

Today marks the Bicentennial of Louisiana becoming the 18th state to join the Union. Louisiana was the first of 13 states to be added to the United States carved from the original Louisiana Territory.

“I am proud to call this great state my home,” said Roger Villere. “I couldn’t imagine living anywhere else. The people, culture, and environment are unrivaled.”

As a result of quick negotiations, the United States paid France less than three cents an acre for 828,000 square miles of land resulting in a final sale price of $11,250,000. The Louisiana Purchase, as it would come to be known, was one of Thomas Jefferson’s most notable achievements as president.

“One of the greatest things about our State is its spirit.” Villere said. “Over the past ten years, Louisiana has endured hurricanes, the BP Oil Spill, an offshore drilling moratorium that kills our jobs, and Roger Goodell, yet Louisianans persevere.”

Happy Birthday Louisiana! May we continue to grow over the next 200 years and beyond.

Roger F. Villere, Jr.
Chairman