La Salle – Today In Southern History
26 March 1682
On this date in 1682…
French explorers under Robert Cavelier de La Salle made the first European contact the Natchez Indians. His Lieutenant, Henri de Tonti was first to meet the Natchez. De Tonti who would later found Arkansas Post was called “Iron Hand” because of his artificial hand he wore due to a battle injury.
Other Years:
1776 - South Carolina adopted its Constitution and became the second colony to separate from the British Empire.
1804 - US control of the vast territory west of the Mississippi River was achieved when the Louisiana Purchase transfer was officially completed in St. Louis.
1804 – The U.S. Congress orders the removal of all Indians east of Mississippi to Louisiana Territory.
1804 – The Territory of Orleans organized in the Louisiana Purchase.
1863 – Voters in Western Virginia approved the gradual emancipation of slaves.
1864 – Battle of Paducah, Kentucky.
1937 – Spinach growers in Crystal City, Texas, erected a statue of Popeye.
1958 – The U.S. Army launched America’s third successful satellite, Explorer III from Cape Canaveral, Florida.
1979 - President Jimmy Carter officiated when Egypt and Israel formally signed the Egypt-Israel Peace Treaty in Washington, DC.
1982 – Ground breaking ceremonies were held in Washington, DC, for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
Read ‘Why Know Southern History?’
There’s Plenty More to See At Our Sister Site ‘Southern Nation News’ for the best Southern News from Dixie Drudge
Copyright 2026, KnowSouthernHistory.Org