The "Red Stick" Capital!
Baton Rouge has one of the COOLEST name origins of any state capital! "Baton Rouge" is French for "red stick" or "red post." When French explorer Pierre Le Moyne d'Iberville explored the area in 1699, he saw a red cypress post marking the boundary between two Native American tribes - the Houma and the Bayougoula. That red stick gave this amazing city its name!
🏛️ Seven Nations, One City!
Baton Rouge has been ruled by SEVEN different nations throughout history! First came France (1719), then Britain (1763), then Spain (1779), then France again (1800), then the United States bought it in the Louisiana Purchase (1803)!
The Tallest State Capitol in America!
Louisiana's State Capitol building is the TALLEST state capitol in the entire United States! At 450 feet tall with 34 stories, it towers over Baton Rouge. It's even taller than the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.! Built in just 14 months in 1932, it's a stunning example of Art Deco architecture.
🏛️ Capitol Facts:
- 📏 450 feet tall - 34 stories!
- ⚡ Built in only 14 months
- 🎨 Beautiful Art Deco design
- 🌳 Sits on 27 acres of gardens
- 🏛️ National Historic Landmark
The Castle on the River!
Before the new capitol was built, Louisiana's government met in the OLD State Capitol - and it looks like a CASTLE! Built in 1847, this Gothic Revival building has turrets, stained glass windows, and sits right on the Mississippi River. Today it's a museum where you can learn about Louisiana's colorful political history. It's one of the most unique government buildings in America!
Mike the Tiger & LSU!
Baton Rouge is home to Louisiana State University (LSU) and their LIVE tiger mascot named Mike! That's right - there's a real Bengal tiger living on campus! Mike VII currently lives in a huge 15,000-square-foot habitat with a waterfall, stream, and even a live oak tree. According to LSU tradition, the Tigers will score a touchdown for every time Mike roars on game day!
Mike the Tiger
🏠 15,000 sq ft habitat with waterfall
🎓 Living on campus since 1936
🏈 Game day tradition!
💜 Currently Mike VII
Tiger Stadium
👥 Seats 102,321 fans!
💀 Nicknamed "Death Valley"
⚡ One of loudest stadiums ever
🎉 100 years old in 2024!
Life on the Mighty Mississippi!
Baton Rouge sits right on the eastern bank of the Mississippi River on the Istrouma Bluff - a natural high point that keeps the city safe from floods. The city is one of the leading ports in the United States! Ships from around the world come here, bringing goods that arrive by train and river and loading them onto oceangoing vessels. You might even see historic paddle-wheel steamboats like the American Queen cruising by!
🚢 Major Port City!
Baton Rouge is one of America's busiest inland ports, connecting the heartland to the Gulf of Mexico and the world!
Louisiana Food & Culture!
Crawfish Boils!
Spicy, delicious Louisiana tradition
Mardi Gras!
Parades, beads, and celebrations
Jazz Music!
Louisiana birthplace of jazz
🎯 Fun Baton Rouge Facts!
- 📊 Louisiana is the ONLY state that calls its regions "parishes" instead of "counties" - a reminder of its French and Spanish Catholic heritage!
- 🏛️ In 1846, Louisiana moved its capital from "sinful" New Orleans to Baton Rouge to get away from all the partying!
- 🎺 Louisiana is the birthplace of JAZZ music - one of America's greatest contributions to world culture!
- 🦞 The town of Breaux Bridge (near Baton Rouge) is the "Crawfish Capital of the World!"
- 🎉 Over 25 MILLION pounds of beads get thrown during Mardi Gras celebrations each year!
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