"Keeweechic's Baton Rouge" Baton Rouge by keeweechic

Baton Rouge Travel Guide: 276 reviews and 565 photos

Baton Rouge literally means “redstick,” The city was given the name 300 years ago by a French explorer Iberville for the “red stick” he saw on a bluff overlooking the Mississippi River. The cities earliest written records are found in the diaries of these early explorers which tell the story of a pole stained with blood of fish and animals which served as a dividing line between the Houmas and Bayougoula Indians.

Baton Rouge was established as a military outpost in 1719 and incorporated in 1817. During the Civil War, the city was captured by Admiral David Farragut and the seat of government was moved to New Orleans. It was 1882 before Baton Rouge again became the capital of the State. Louisiana State University came to the city in 1869 and was at the time located downtown. The Indian mounds on the campus of the present LSU were built 450 years before the construction of the great Egyptian pyramids.

Baton Rouge is the State Capital of Louisiana and the Parish (county) seat. It lies just northwest of New Orleans on the banks of the Mississippi River. It is the premier industrial city in the area and has large petroleum and chemical complexes on the Mississippi River. The Port of Great Baton Rouge ranks second in Louisiana and fifth in the nation. Baton Rouge celebrated its 303rd Birthday in 2002.

"Baton Rouge was clothed in flowers, like a bride — no, much more so; like a greenhouse. For we were in the absolute South now — no modifications, no compromises, no half-way measures. The magnolia trees in the Capitol grounds were lovely and fragrant, with their dense rich foliage and huge snowball blossoms. The scent of the flower is very sweet, but you want distance on it, because it is so powerful."

- Mark Twain, in his 1883 travelogue, "Life on the Mississippi."

Photos which are taken by myself and all headings are copyright and digitally marked. Please do not use them without permission. Thanks.© keeweechic 2001-2006 (copyright)

Last visit to Baton Rouge: Sep 2002
Intro Updated Aug 4, 2006
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Reviews (33)

Windy Weather Warnings and Dangers (1)

Beware of windy conditions when going up to the observation deck of the Capitol Building. When its really bad, they will... more travel advice

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An Eventful Stop Off Favorites (1)

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Getting There Transportation (1)

By Road : I-10 comes in from Lafayette (LA) and Houston (TX) in the west and New Orleans in the south. I-61 leads in... more travel advice

Things to Do (26)
See All Huey Long - Statue
Nightlife (2)
See All Casino Rouge

Hotels (1)
A Port in the Storm
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Travelogues (1)

Written Aug 4, 2006

8 photos

State Capitol

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Comments (12)

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BarryAir Jan 11, 2009 at 5:00 PM

Great job on your pages. You have a knack for finding the most interesting places and write great storys. Barry in Lafayette, Louisiana
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deecat Sep 29, 2006 at 5:27 PM

Observant insights about Baton Rouge. I always enjoy architecture, and the architecture here is beautiful.
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traveldave Sep 6, 2005 at 5:04 PM

Since many are saying that Baton Rouge will become Louisiana's premier city due to the destruction of New Orleans, I thought I'd check out your page to see what the city is like.
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miner Aug 2, 2005 at 7:32 PM

Hi Keewee. Little brother sent me some pics of B.R. and I ha dto check your site to see what they were pics of. Better than a tourism guide!!
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BuickMackane Feb 3, 2005 at 2:23 PM

Good tip about BW Richmond Suites. Judging from some of the posts I've read, a lot of people end up staying in West Baton Rouge at the lower end chains. Great presentation!
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tpangelinan Jun 19, 2004 at 7:33 PM

Wow! Great coverage, would love to go here some day. Wonderful information and history, sounds like a fun place to visit! Thank you :o)
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Sweetberry1 Jul 31, 2003 at 5:46 AM

This sounds like a fantastic city. Can't believe they used Australia timber, Woww.... Love the shot on the observation deck.. LOL..
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nomorewars Jul 15, 2003 at 3:00 AM

And I thought I was the only one who liked Baton Rouge!
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ABL1958 Mar 23, 2003 at 5:41 AM

Once I got to know this city I always thought it is underrated. It's really beautiful and only improving each year. Thanks for doing such a great job portraying it!
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Helga67 Dec 1, 2002 at 4:25 AM

The State Capitol looks great and what a view!