Celebrate Your Louisiana Heritage - It's Mardi Gras!

Mardi Gras is Tuesday and a time for celebrating.

Mardi Gras is such a part of Louisiana that it was declared a state holiday in 1875. Were members of your family part of the Mardi Gras? Did they help build the floats, were they musicians or krewe members? Did they attend?

While you are working on your Louisana research do not miss the chance to explore stories or memories your ancestors might have about Mardi Gras and how it may have affected their lives.

Quick Louisana Facts:

*In 1804 the territories of New Orleans and Louisiana were formed. To avoid confusion with the state of Louisiana, the Territory of Louisiana was renamed the Missouri Territory in 1812.

*The first Louisiana federal census was in 1810 when it was the Orleans Territory

*Louisiana had 20 parishes at the time of the 1810 census, today there are 64.

Helpful Links:

Louisana State Museum: Mardi Gras: It's Carnival Time in New Orleans

Confederate Pension Applications - Online Database

Vital Records - Louisiana & Orleans Parish - Online

Louisiana Genealogy Blog

Arcadian-Cajun Genealogy and History


From Amazon:

Mimi's First Mardi Gras
Haunted New Orleans (LA): History & Hauntings of the Crescent City
The Battle of New Orleans: Andrew Jackson and America's First Military Victory

Take Care,
Pattie