Louisiana was named after King Louis XIV of France in 1682 when the French explorer Sieur de La Salle claimed the Mississippi River valley for France. The United States purchased the Louisiana territory from France in 1803, which encompassed land that makes up 13 present U.S. states. Louisiana became the 18th state when it was admitted to the Union on April 30, 1812. The state is known for its French and Spanish cultural influences, Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans, and distinctive Cajun cuisine.