Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. – 1 Peter 3:8
On this day in 1812, Louisiana became the 18th state to join the Union. The region had been known as the Territory of Orleans prior to statehood. The Louisiana Puchase, which was made 9 years before and doubled the territory of the United States at the time, had included only a portion of the area that would eventually be the state of Louisiana. In 1810, the U.S. annexed part of West Florida to make the eastern boundary of Louisiana, which was then under Spanish control. The western boundary of the 18th state was not finalized until the Adams-Onis Treaty in 1819. The Louisiana Territory was renamed the Missouri Territory after Louisiana became a state. While 48 states are divided into counties, and Alaska into boroughs, Louisiana is divided into parishes, reflecting its Roman Catholic roots under French and Spanish colonial rule.
As the Lord leads, pray with us…
- For members of Congress as they debate and consider allowing other U.S. territories to become states.
- For discernment for the president and his administration as they enter agreements and treaties with foreign countries.
