"Inauguration Day 2004 -- Louisiana makes history" Top 5 Page for this destination Baton Rouge Travelogue by der_geograf

Baton Rouge Travel Guide: 323 reviews and 555 photos

A new political era dawns in Louisiana

Saturday, Nov. 15, 2003 will be a date forever etched into Louisiana's great historical log.

At approximately 9:15 p.m. CST that Saturday evening, it was confirmed that 731,358 voters (52 percent of those who participated) had elected Kathleen Babineaux-Blanco to the state's top post in the gubernatorial runoff. She is the 52nd governor of Louisiana, and the first woman to hold the position.

On Monday, Jan. 12, 2004, Babineaux-Blanco--a Cajun mother, grandmother, and former teacher--was officially inaugurated. The following images were taken at the ceremony.

Inauguration Day 2004 -- Louisiana makes history - Baton Rouge

The Grambling State University marching band entertains the gathering crowd . . .

. . . audience members from all over the state are beginning to gather in front of the steps of the Louisiana Capitol . . .

WAFB-TV (Baton Rouge) reporter Loranda Moffet (standing in the black jacket and sunglasses in the foreground) and her camerman interview some young kids about the inauguration.

The capitol building rises above the ceremonies

The members or the state legislature and a host of national dignitaries fill the seats behind the podium . . .

(Note to self . . . next time get closer, or get a digital camera with a zoom function that WORKS!)

Crowds and press look on as Blanco speaks

After Governor Blanco takes the oath of office twice (first in English, then in French), she gives her inaugural address to the crowd, which numbers a few thousand.

(Again, forgive the distance--trust me, she's up there! If you have eagle eyes, she is in an all red outfit near the center of the photo.)

Partying on the Capitol grounds after the ceremony

After Governor Blanco was inaugurated and the ceremony ended, it was time for "Louisiana's Party" to continue. Because Blanco was once a schoolteacher, there were many activities for children. There were also booths offering free food samples of various Louisiana specialties.

Just before this photograph was taken, four F-15 fighter jets flew very low in formation over the Capitol.

Page Updated Jan 29, 2004
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The Mississippi River batture
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See All Enjoy the view (and learn a little too)
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Historic homes in downtown Baton Rouge
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Comments (19)

aaaarrgh Oct 12, 2006 at 5:17 AM Report Abuse

Genuinely interesting tips, thanks :-)
wendy33 Jun 28, 2005 at 10:56 AM Report Abuse

thanks for the tips. but what side of town is best to live at? i may be tranferring out there soon.
TheWanderingCamel Jun 14, 2005 at 7:11 PM Report Abuse

Hey great tips. I am going to be visiting there soon so these have been very helpful. Wish you would put more! Megypt
pedersdottir Apr 1, 2004 at 8:51 AM Report Abuse

Hi Mike: nice update on your Baton Rouge page - and travel motto! Enjoy your 'take' on life in the South!
mtncorg Mar 30, 2004 at 8:51 AM Report Abuse

All that is missing here, is Randy Newman wailing away about the Kingfish! ;-]
am&pm Mar 27, 2004 at 11:38 AM Report Abuse

We live in Baton Rouge and still learned something from reading your page!! Thank you! I love this city.
andal13 Mar 26, 2004 at 7:53 PM Report Abuse

Your hometown looks very attractive; all the cities have their own problems... they are inherent to urban life. Best wishes for Mrs. Blanco!
Christophe_Ons Mar 22, 2004 at 12:08 PM Report Abuse

Wonderful page about your hometown. Insightful, and with some very nice pictures. Great job. Best regards from Belgium :)
keeweechic Feb 14, 2004 at 8:17 PM Report Abuse

I enjoyed my brief and unexpected stay in Baton Rouge. It looks much nicer in good weather:-) Quite a historic day you have just had there.
Leipzig Feb 7, 2004 at 3:58 AM Report Abuse

Great page! Blame it on the urban water management - it should be possible to avoid annual floodings caused by rainfalls with a good drainage system - perhaps your town is rich enough to pay each year the damages