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Old Governor's Mansion Courtesy: Lousiana Office of Tourism

Vibrant culture, countless historic landmarks and strong musical heritage describe what the city of Baton Rouge is all about. Not only is Baton Rouge the capital city of Louisiana, it also serves as a major cultural hub where Creole, Cajun, Spanish and Caribbean influences remain strong. Although the city carefully maintains its past, it is quickly becoming a bustling metropolis, making it one of the largest cities on the banks of the Mississippi River. Baton Rouge is home to two universities, Louisiana State University and Southern University, both historic landmarks that have educated students since the 1880s. Today these universities continue to prepare students for careers in the bustling community. Baton Rouge is a city that offers something for everyone, whether it's visiting one of the many museums, boating on the bayou looking for alligators, exploring an old plantation or learning about a Baton Rouge landmark, the city proves to be full of entertainment.

ORIENTATION

Situated in southeastern Louisiana, Baton Rouge is 157 mi (253 km) north of the Gulf of Mexico and just 80 mi (129 km) northwest of New Orleans. Jackson, Mississippi, is a major city that lies 173 mi (279 km) north of Baton Rouge, while Houston, Texas, is 270 mi (435 km) to the west.

HISTORY

	Old State Capitol Courtesy: Baton Rouge Area Visitor Bureau

Baton Rouge, French for red stick, was named in 1699 when a French-Canadian explorer, Pierre Le Moyne, happened upon a large pole stained with blood. This pole is said to have marked the hunting territory of two American Indian tribes, the Bayou Goulas and the Houmas. Henceforth, the region was known as Baton Rouge. Today, the site of the red stick is located on the Southern University campus.

Shortly after Le Moyne's arrival in the Baton Rouge area, the first permanent European settlement was established. Although the arrival of the Europeans is often considered the beginning of settlement in the Baton Rouge area, evidence dating back to as early as 8000 B.C. confirms that Baton Rouge's earliest residents were American Indian tribes. Part of this evidence remains on the Louisiana State University campus, where two grassy burial mounds remind residents of the long and varied history of Baton Rouge.

	Baton Rouge Sunset Courtesy: Louisiana Office of Tourism

Following European settlement, Baton Rouge experienced the rule of France, England and Spain, before becoming a part of the United States. Baton Rouge was controlled by France from the time of Le Moyne's arrival until the treaty of Paris was signed in 1763, granting England power over the Baton Rouge area. In 1779, the Spanish who had been given much of the Louisiana territory by France as a war payment, moved in on England's Baton Rouge. The area was soon under Spanish influence and remained so until 1810 when local settlers overthrew the Spanish and declared themselves independent. Louisiana became the eighteenth state to enter the Union in 1812. Just five years later Baton Rouge was incorporated as a city, boasting 4,000 permanent residents. In 1849 the city became Louisiana's capital and has held that position every since, except for a brief move to New Orleans during the Civil War.

Since the 1800s, Baton Rouge has grown into a prosperous city where scientific, technological, health care and manufacturing fields provide jobs in the area. With continued growth and careful maintenance of its French, Spanish and British roots, Baton Rouge proves to be an exciting and diverse city.

CLIMATE

Month Avg. Daily Temperature Average Rainfall Min Max Jan 40°F (4°C) 60°F (16°C) 157 mm Feb 43°F (6°C) 64°F (18°C) 130 mm Mar 50°F (10°C) 71°F (22°C) 129 mm Apr 56°F (13°C) 77°F (25°C) 141 mm May 64°F (18°C) 84°F (29C) 136 mm Jun 70°F (21°C) 89°F (32°C) 135 mm Jul 73°F (23°C) 91°F (33°C) 151 mm Aug 72°F (22°C) 91°F (33°C) 149 mm Sep 68F (20°C) 87°F (31°C) 123 mm Oct 56°F (13°C) 80°F (27°C) 97 mm Nov 48°F (9°C) 70°F (21°C) 121 mm Dec 42°F (6°C) 63°F (17°C) 134 mm

Climate data from the Southern Regional Climate Center

Baton Rouge is blessed with a semi-tropical climate, where the weather is neither too cold nor too hot to enjoy outdoor activities. From May through September, the weather in Baton Rouge is reliably warm with daytime maximums ranging from 84ºF to 91ºF (29ºC to 33ºC). The average winter temperatures fluctuate around 58ºF (14ºC), with cool evenings and mild days. Winter in Baton Rouge tends to be brief and pleasant, necessitating a mere light jacket at most times. Precipitation in the area is relatively well-distributed throughout the year, averaging about 1524 mm of rainfall per year.

TRANSPORTATION

Traveling to and from Baton Rouge is a trouble-free task. The Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport connects the area to domestic and international destinations. American, Continental, Delta and Northwest Airlines service the airport. Greyhound Lines provides motorcoach services from Baton Rouge to local and far-away destinations throughout the United States and Canada. Daily bus service to Shreveport and New Orleans, Houston and Little Rock, Arkansas, are offered by Greyhound Lines. Amtrak Passenger Rail Service also provides regular train service from Baton Rouge to many national destinations.

When driving to Baton Rouge, Interstate-10 (I-10) provides a direct link from the city to surrounding destinations to the east including New Orleans, Mobile, Alabama, and Jacksonville, Florida. The highway also provides easy access to Houston, Phoenix, Arizona, and Los Angeles, California, in the west. Other major highways, including Interstate-55 (I-55) and Interstate-59 (I-59) are major routes granting access to various locations in Alabama, Mississippi and other states north of Louisiana.

Transportation within the city is simple. Capital Transportation Corporation provides regular public transit services throughout the city. Taxi and limousine services are also offered by a number of companies in Baton Rouge. Not surprisingly, rental cars are available at a variety of locations throughout the city, including the Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport. Renting a car is highly recommended, as it gives travelers the freedom to visit the unique towns, cities and plantations that surround Baton Rouge.

ATTRACTIONS

Historic Places of Interest

Baton Rouge is home to a number of historic attractions that exemplify its long and diverse past. As the state capital, Baton Rouge is home to two historic state capitol buildings. Both government buildings are celebrated for their unique architecture. Built in 1842, the Old State Capitol is one of the best examples of Gothic Revival architecture in the United States. Today, the building serves as a museum and houses several permanent exhibits that commemorate the history of Louisiana. The Old State Capitol is conveniently located in historic downtown Baton Rouge.

	Magnolia Mound Plantation Courtesy: Louisiana Office of Tourism

The current Louisiana State Capitol is also architecturally stunning and listed among Baton Rouge's numerous historic landmark buildings. The new State Capitol is a 34-story limestone skyscraper that was built in 1932 and is decorated with sculptures that embody the history of the State. Larger than life statues of some of Louisiana's governors are also on display in the State Capitol's main hall.

The Old Governor's Mansion is also an interesting stop while investigating the history of Louisiana's government. The mansion was built in 1930 and is a historic house museum that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Furnishings and artefacts from nine Louisiana governor's are featured, in addition to a grand ballroom, crystal chandeliers and a large marble staircase.

The Baton Rouge area was once home to numerous thriving plantations that harvested tobacco, cotton and sugar cane. One such place was Magnolia Mound Plantation, which is located in what is now downtown Baton Rouge. Built in the late 18th century, the plantation once encompassed 900 acres that bordered the Mississippi River. Today the estate spans only 16 acres, but some of the original buildings are carefully maintained, giving visitors a taste of the plantation lifestyle. The Historic House Museum, Overseer's House and Carriage House are just a few of the buildings that are maintained in period furnishings and help recreate the plantation atmosphere.

Arts & Entertainment

Baton Rouge is known for its flourishing art scene and there is no better place to enjoy artwork than at the Shaw Center for the Arts. The 15,000 square foot gallery features a collection of art from the 17th to the 20th centuries. The museum showcases over 3,500 permanent objects, including Newcomb pottery, paintings, Inuit sculpture, silver from New Orleans prior to the Civil War and rare Chinese jade. In addition, a number of highend exhibitions visit the Shaw Center for the Arts throughout the year.

A visit to Baton Rouge would not be complete without experiencing Casino Rouge, a riverboat casino docked on the Mississippi River. This large casino is located near the Old State Capitol and features over 1,000 slot machines, 30 table games and live entertainment on weekends. For those who are in search of live music venues, Chelsea's Cafe is a trendy nightspot near Louisiana State University that features local talent nightly. Baton Rouge is also host to a number of blues, jazz, zydeco and cajun music clubs. The city is lively and the nights are long in Baton Rouge, ensuring an entertaining night of live music, no matter what genre is desired.

Baton Rouge Events

	Louisiana State Capitol Courtesy: Baton Rouge Area Visitor Center

Every spring visitors flock to Baton Rouge for the Bluegrass on the Bayou Festival. This two day event is a celebration of bluegrass music and features internationally acclaimed performers from around the United States and Canada. Other festival activities include a silent auction, hot-air balloons, fireworks and music workshops for both children and adults.

The Baton Rouge area comes alive every fall during the Greater Baton Rouge State Fair. This 11-day event is an ideal place for the entire family, as it offers something for everyone. Festival events include cheerleading competitions, live musical entertainment, human cannonballs, animal shows and a midway full of carnival rides and games.