The state of Louisiana is home to a plethora of cultures, many of which have their roots in Latin America. The majority of these cultures are of Mexican origin, and they are mainly employed in the agricultural sector. However, there are also several other countries from Latin America and the Caribbean that are represented in the region. Additionally, Mexican-Americans from Texas have also made their presence felt in the area. The independent status of colored Creoles declined after the Louisiana Purchase, and even more so after the American Civil War.
According to Campanella, the current Latin influence is reminiscent of the region's Spanish colonial period, which lasted from 1762 to 1800 when Spain was in possession of Louisiana. Charles Chamberlain III, a historian, believes that immigration trends in the American city of New Orleans, Louisiana have contributed to the delicious Louisiana dishes such as gumbo and jambalaya. In addition, almost all Mexican restaurants in the region are owned by Mexicans or, in the case of a small chain of Mexican restaurants, by a Mexican-American family from Texas. The Senate before the American Civil War and then became Secretary of State of the Confederacy; Democrat turned Republican Michael Hahn, who was elected governor, served between 1864 and 1865 when Louisiana was occupied by the Union Army and later elected in 1884 as national Baptists of the United States, reported 67,518 members, and the National Baptist Convention of the United States had a state membership of 61,997, making them the largest church bodies in the state from the point historically and predominantly African-American. The oldest community of Asian Americans in the United States is located in Saint Malo, Louisiana. This community was founded by Filipino exiles from the Manila Galeon trade between Mexico and the Philippines. It is evident that Northern Louisiana has been greatly impacted by Latin American cultures over time.
From Mexican-Americans to Filipino exiles, these cultures have left an indelible mark on this region and continue to shape its identity today. Whether it be through food or religion, these cultures have become an integral part of Northern Louisiana's history.
