Why does Louisiana have parishes and not counties?
Quick Answer
Originally, Louisiana was the territory of Spain and then France, both Roman Catholic countries, and those colonial powers divided their lands according to church parish boundaries for administrative purposes. After annexation by the United States, Louisiana continued to refer to administrative regions as parishes, not counties.
Continue ReadingFull Answer
In 1803, the United States more than doubled its existing territorial holdings by purchasing the Louisiana Territory from the French government for $3 million. The American government divided the new territory into smaller divisions, but the legislature governing the territory of Louisiana elected to use the term "parish" for administrative boundaries, even after joining the United States. Throughout its history, Louisiana has retained the term, even though all of the other 49 states refer to their administrative regions as counties.
The entire territory (about 828 million square miles) of the Louisiana Purchase stretched from the Gulf of Mexico and the Mississippi River to the border with Canada and the Rocky Mountains. This region would eventually form some or all of 15 of the 50 states.
The land was purchased for less than three cents per acre, which was considered to be an excellent value for money. This acquisition has long been viewed as one of the major achievements during the presidency of Thomas Jefferson.
Learn more about The SouthRelated Questions
-
Q:
What are major landforms of Louisiana?
A: Louisiana contains numerous landforms, including salt marshes, the Mississippi River Delta, the Red River Valley and rolling hills. Louisiana resides in th... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What are Louisiana's natural resources?
A: Louisiana's natural resources include coastal wetlands, forests, oil and gas, and sulphur and salt. The state also has fertile soil, plenty of rainfall and... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What are some interesting facts for cities in Louisiana?
A: Interesting facts about cities in Louisiana include that Baton Rouge has the tallest state capitol building in the United States, and Metairie is home to t... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What are some parishes in Louisiana?
A: Parishes in Louisiana include Orleans, East Baton Rouge, Acadia and Lafayette. Parishes are the political and geographical jurisdictions in the state of Lo... Full Answer >Filed Under:
You May Also Like
-
Q:
What are some fun facts about Georgia?
-
Q:
How do you get a map of the Tampa Cruise Port?
-
Q:
What is the capital of North Carolina?
-
Q:
What are some facts about Pinellas Park in Florida?
-
Q:
Which Louisiana newspapers have extensive classified sections?
-
Q:
How do you find results for Louisiana elections?
