A series of devastating earthquakes hit the United States in 1811 and 1812 that centered in the New Madrid seismic zone, named after New Madrid, Mo., and part of the new Louisiana Territory.

Pinchback was serving as president pro tem of the Louisiana senate when, in 1871, the state’s first black lieutenant governor, Oliver Dunn, died. This left Pinchback to take his place.

In Louisiana, there's so much history and culture to explore, especially in these seven offbeat towns. Find out why World Atlas says you should visit.

Nottoway Plantation, White Castle, Louisiana 70788 / Grant L. Robertson, photographer / ca. 1993 Historic New Orleans Collection, Gift of Lynne Robertson Parker, Acc. No. 2014.0330.1.166.

NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) - History was made at Dillard University on Saturday (March 4), as Delores J. Williamston was installed as the next bishop heading the Louisiana Conference of the United ...