Louisiana's at-large congressional district

From the time of its admission to the Union in 1812, until the division into multiple districts a decade later, Louisiana had only one congressional district. During that time, three people represented the state at-large.

Louisiana's at-large congressional district
Obsolete district
Created1812
1873
Eliminated1823
1875
Years active1812-1823
1873-1875

List of members representing the district

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Representative Party Years Cong
ress
Electoral history
Statehood achieved April 30, 1812
 
Thomas B. Robertson
(New Orleans)
Democratic-Republican April 30, 1812 –
April 20, 1818
12th
13th
14th
15th
Elected to finish the term.
Also elected in 1812 to the next term.
Re-elected in 1814.
Re-elected in 1816.
Resigned.
Vacant April 20, 1818 –
November 16, 1818
15th
Thomas Butler
(St. Francisville)
Democratic-Republican November 16, 1818 –
March 3, 1821
15th
16th
Elected to finish Robertson's term.
Also elected in 1818 to the next term.
Lost renomination.
 
Josiah S. Johnston
(Alexandria)
Democratic-Republican March 4, 1821 –
March 3, 1823
17th Elected in 1820.
Redistricted to the 3rd district and lost re-election.
District inactive, returned to district representation

In the 43rd Congress, Louisiana had six representatives. Five were assigned a district and one represented the state at-large. Due to an election contest for the at-large seat, it was vacant until the very last day.

Representative Party Years Cong
ress
Electoral history
 
George A. Sheridan
(Lake Providence)
Liberal Republican March 3, 1875 –
March 4, 1875
43rd Elected in 1872.
Election contested by P. B. S. Pinchback and settled in Sheridan's favor only one month before the end of the Congress.
Retired.

At-large seat eliminated March 4, 1875, as all six seats were divided among six districts.

References

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  • Martis, Kenneth C. (1989). The Historical Atlas of Political Parties in the United States Congress. New York: Macmillan Publishing Company.
  • Martis, Kenneth C. (1982). The Historical Atlas of United States Congressional Districts. New York: Macmillan Publishing Company.
  • Congressional Biographical Directory of the United States 1774–present