How did Louisiana get its nickname as 'The Pelican State'?

An introduction to Louisiana that includes information about the state capitol, how the state got its name, the state's nicknames, how the state citizens are addressed, ... Because of the abundance of Brown Pelicans found along the coast of Louisiana, the state is commonly referred to as "The Pelican State. read more

Louisiana's most common nickname is "The Pelican State," but there are several other names used to describe it. It's been called "The Bayou State" because of the slow streams of water that flow through it. Louisiana is also called "The Sugar State" because of its large production of sugar-cane crops. read more

The brown pelican is the state bird and appears on Louisiana's state flag, great seal, the official state painting (along with many other symbols and icons of Louisiana), and is one of three Louisiana symbols displayed on the U.S. mint's bicentennial Louisiana quarter. read more