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The Creole State, was acquired by purchase from France in 1803. It was first visited by the Spaniard De Soto in 1541, who was buried in the Mississippi. In 1682 La Salle descended the river and took formal possession of the region in the name of Louis XIV., in whose honor it was named. In 1706 New Orleans was founded by Bienville. John Law secured control of the colony as a part of his Mississippi scheme in 1717. In 1762 France transferred her title to Spain, who restored the country again to France in 1800. Napoleon, following the plan of La Salle, proposed to found a new France in America, but was finally induced to sell the entire territory to the United States for $15,000,000 (1803). The following year the Territory of Orleans was formed from the portion of this vast purchase south of 33º north latitude. The northern portion was organized as the Louisiana Territory, the name of which was afterward changed to Missouri. In April, 1812, the Territory of Orleans became the State of Louisiana. The final battle of the War of 1812 was fought at New Orleans after peace had been made at Ghent, but before the news had reached America. General Jackson repulsed with great slaughter the attack of the British under Sir Edward Pakenham upon New Orleans. From 1812 until 1830 the State was Democratic. After 1830 until 1850 the Whigs were usually in the majority. The State was carried for Polk in 1844 by fraud. The sugar planters wished for protection against foreign sugar. An ordinance of secession was passed in convention January 26, 1861. New Orleans was captured by United States forces April 25, 1862. The State was restored to its place in the Union June 25, 1868. The present Constitution was made in that year. In July, 1871, the Republican party became divided into two factions, led by Warmoth and Kellogg. In January, 1872, there were two rival Legislatures; open conflict had been prevented by troops. Two candidates, McEnery and Kellogg, were nominated for Governor, and on January 14, 1873, both were inaugurated as Governor. Two rival U.S. Senators were elected. The Kellogg government was supported by the President at Washington. In 1876 the vote of the State was claimed by both parties, but was finally given to the Republicans by the Electoral Commission. Since 1876 the State has been Democratic in all elections. The population in 1812 was 76,556; in 1890, 1,118,587. History by Gayarre.