3 Nations Celebrate Land Transfer Anniversary
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Putting aside strained relations stemming from the war in Iraq, dignitaries from France, Spain and the United States helped mark the 200th anniversary of the Louisiana Purchase.
In a reenactment, a 15-star American flag was raised to the accompaniment of fife and drums at the plaza between Jackson Square and St. Louis Cathedral, capping a yearlong New Orleans celebration of the bicentennial of the land transfer.
On Dec. 20, 1803, ownership of more than 800,000 square miles -- now part or all of 15 states -- was formally transferred from France to the U.S. for $15 million.
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