"baton rouge louisiana" a Baton Rouge Travel Page by doug48

baton rouge located on the mississippi river in central louisiana. baton rouge was inhabited by native americans dating back to 8000 BC. in 1699 sieur d'iberville established a settlement on lstroump bluff on the mississippi river. on the bluff d'iberville saw a cypress pole festooned with bloody animals and fish and called the area baton rouge (red stick). this bloody pole signified the boundary of the houma and bayou goula native american tribes. the area around baton rouge was ruled by the french, the british, and the spanish in parts of 18 th and early 19 th centuries. the town of baton rouge was incorporated in 1817 and was made the louisiana state capital in 1849. during the civil war baton rouge was occupied by the union and in 1862 the capital was moved to new orleans. the capital remained in new orleans during the radical reconstuction era and was returned to baton rouge in 1882. in the 20 th century baton rouge became a petrochemical center and a major mississippi port city.

baton rouge is a very interesting place to visit in louisiana. downtown baton rouge has many historic buildings, a casino, and a number of excellent museums. on the river road between baton rouge and new orleans there are scores of antebellum plantations many of which are open to the public. for those interested in southern history and culture baton rouge's rural life museum is a very worth while stop. for college sports fans baton rouge is home to louisiana state university.