Bought For A Song: A Young Nation Expands

Overview

Bought For A Song: A Young Nation Expands

The Louisiana Purchase agreement, signed by Napoleon Bonaparte, will be on display as part of America's celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Don't miss this rare opportunity to view this historic document right here in Louisiana, where French heritage and culture are still proudly carried.

Exhibition Overview Aperçu de l’exposition

The Louisiana Purchase is widely considered to be the greatest real estate deal in history. In 1803, the United States acquired 828,000 square miles of land from France for $15 million dollars. This purchase nearly doubled the size of the United States, making it one of the largest nations in the world. The newly acquired land expanded west of the Mississippi River to the Rocky Mountains and from the Gulf of Mexico to the Canadian border. This territory made up all or part of fifteen modern states.

A rare opportunity, the Louisiana Purchase agreement will be on display as part of America’s commemoration of the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. This is only the second time this historic document has been on view at the Old State Capitol. The last showing was in 1994 during the old statehouse’s grand opening as a museum following a major building renovation.