Louisiana is a state in the southeastern United States of America and is bordered by Texas, Arkansas, and Mississippi. Its capital is Baton Rouge, and its largest city is New Orleans. The area was inhabited by the Caddo, Tunica, Natchez, Houma, Choctaw, Atakapa, and Chitimacha tribes. During the age of colonization, the Spanish and the French both visited the area, but in 1682, French explorers led by Robert Cavelier de La Salle renamed the area Louisiana in recognition of King Louis XIV of France. Slavery was first practiced in Louisiana in 1708, and by 1721, approximately half of New Orlean's population were enslaved people. In 1803, the United States acquired the area in the Louisiana Purchase from the French. It became a state in 1812. Louisiana is home to many cultures, particularly Louisiana Creoles (a mixture of French, African, Spanish, and Native American cultures) and Cajuns, who are descendents of French and Spanish colonists. Mardi Gras is celebrated annually in Louisiana, especially in New Orleans, with the first parade having taken place in 1837.