The Making of a Louisiana Legend tells the story of the unit that was the origin of the famous name "Louisiana Tigers." Officially, the unit was Company B, of Wheat's Battalion. It became famous because of their flashy Zouave uniforms, their famous battalion commander, Major Roberdeau Wheat, and their heroics at First Battle of Manassas.
Their nickname, Tigers, became attached, first to the battalion, and then to all Louisiana troops serving in the Army of Northern Virginia. The men became so notorious for their antics in camp, they got blamed for a lot of things they didn't do, although they did plenty on their own to deserve their reputation. As fighters in battle they were unsurpassed. LSU Tigers are named after this regiment.
