History & Heritage in Angola Louisiana

One facet of Louisiana that makes it such an appealing visitor destination is its deep and colorful history. European explorers found their way to the region and inhabited the area very early relative to settlement of much of the rest of the continent. As a result, some communities in Louisiana are among the oldest in the United States. Before those explorers arrived, of course, people we now know as Native Americans populated the region. Reaching still farther back in time, ancient peoples left their mark on the area thousands of years ago. The state of Louisiana offers many ways to explore the region’s rich history, in hundreds of museums, historic structures, landmarks, artifacts and works of art. The careful preservation and restoration of these sites and artifacts has created many rare opportunities for visitors to experience Louisiana’s history and gain insights into the diverse cultures that continue to influence the state today.

The Louisiana State Penitentiary is home to the Angola Prison Rodeo. Each Sunday in October and the third Saturday and Sunday in April,  inmate cowboys entertain thousands with rodeo antics featuring the popular "convict poker."  The event also features and arts and crafts fair.  While there, explore the Louisiana State Penitentiary Museum.