Since Pierre le Moyne, Sieur dï Iberville, first held the office, the governorship of Louisiana has been occupied by a succession of influential figures. First the French, then the Spanish, and finally the Americans presided over the affairs of the developing state. This diversity of cultures, reflected in the people who have occupied the stateï s highest office, remains one of the strengths of modern Louisiana.Many of Louisiana"s governors were capable leaders whose constructive actions contributed to the development of the state. Theirs are the accomplishments that remain etched in the history of a progressive, diverse people. A few were men of uncommon skill, foresight, and determination. Their forceful leadership often transcended the boundaries of the state and influenced national and international affairs. However, not all governors were equal to the tasks that faced them, and little evidence has endured to inform us about their unsuccessful terms in office.The Governors of Louisiana presents concise biographical sketches and photographs of each of the Pelican State"s governors, beginning with Pierre le Moyne in 1699. Twenty-nine of the photographs show the bronze bas-relief portraits of the governors that are cast on the elevator doors at the Capitol building in Baton Rouge. This updated edition includes Kathleen Blanco, the first woman elected to that office in Louisiana.The other volumes in this series, The Governors of Alabama (pb [F]), The Governors of Mississippi (pb [F]), The Governors of Tennessee: 2nd Edition (pb), and The Governors of Texas (pb [F]), are also available from Pelican.