Baton Rouge was founded by French explorers nearly 300 years ago. Today, it is the fifth largest port city in the United States and the hub for petrochemical industries and medical research in the southern US. Additionally, it is the prominent center for education as it is home to two large universities- the Louisiana State University and the Southern University. Apart from education and business, the city is also known as a southern holiday spot popular for its wonderful historical and cultural attractions. It is a fascinating city to explore and experience. From diverse heritage, history and culture to its significant landmarks, historic buildings and museums, the city has plethora of things to do for both locals and visitors.
History of Baton Rouge
Baton Rouge has a fascination history!
Baton Rouge was founded by French explorers. In the 17th century, French explorers and settlers named it Baton Rouge that means “Red Stick”. In 1719, a French military post was established in the area. With the arrival of French settlers, popularly called as the Cajuns, the French population in the area increased.
In 1817, Baton Rouge was incorporated. Baton Rouge became the capital of Louisiana in 1849 and expanded gradually as the steamboat trade flourished. In the 1950s and 1960s, the petrochemical industry flourished in Baton Rouge, resulting in the expansion of the city. In the twentieth century, the city expanded remarkably as there was a construction and building boom. In 2000s, it became one of the fastest growing cities in the Southern US.
Important Locations in Baton Rouge
Baton Rouge offers plenty of things to see and do. Explore the museums that provide a glimpse into the history of Baton Rouge, and the historical sites and buildings that have exquisite decorative art murals, check out the many magnificent plantation houses in the area, and enjoy the natural beauty and picturesque vistas of the area.
Burden Museum and Gardens: Burden Museum and Gardens include Windrush Garden, Rural Life Museum and AgCenter Botanic Gardens. LSU Rural Life Museum features household tools, furniture, farming equipments, slave items, vehicles, and other artifacts and exhibits, all of which demonstrates the plantation lifestyle that was carried out the early nineteenth century in Baton Rouge. Take a peaceful stroll through Windrush Gardens and enjoy the landscape.
Old State Capitol: Know the rich and diverse political history of Louisiana through exhibits at the
Old State Capitol. It has two floors with old congress chamber and old senate room.
USS Kidd and Veterans Memorial: Check out the old warship, a Fletcher Class WWII destroyer- USS Kidd. The museum also features a model ships collection, a restored WWII fighter jet, Vietnam War fighter jet, gun decks replicas and many other interesting exhibits. Learn about the naval history of the US at the
USS Kidd Veterans Museum.
Magnolia Mound Plantation: Learn about the history of Louisiana at the
Magnolia Mount Plantation. It is a 1700s French plantation house that chronicles the Louisiana history through tours by costumed guide. It has slave quarters, carriage house and an open-hearth kitchen.
Louisiana Art and Science Museum: See the art exhibitions on Egyptian, American and European art, plus science exhibits at the
Louisiana Art and Science Museum. It has a planetarium, interactive art and science galleries, and fun programs for all.
Baton Rouge Zoo:
Baton Rouge Zoo is home to several wild mammals, animals and birds from Africa, South and North America, and Asia. Get nose-to-nose with animals, including elephants, giraffes, otters, tigers and more.
Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center: Browse the natural beauty and catch a glimpse of wildlife at the
Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center. The center features several nature, wildlife and mineral exhibits.
Hilltop Arboretum: Check out the native trees and shrubs of Louisiana at the
Hilltop Arboretum. The arboretum has nature trails, a huge collection of shrubs and trees, lush paintings and a ravine.
LSU Museum of Natural Science: Know the Louisiana’s natural history at the
LSU Museum of Natural Science. Check out the native wildlife, archaeology, petrology, mineralogy, paleontology and anthropology collections in the museum.
To know more about the important locations in Baton Rouge, click here.
People and Culture of Baton Rouge
Baton Rouge is a culturally diverse city. There is a mix of Creole Catholics and Cajun, South Mississippi, and Florida Parishes Baptists. The city’s rich and unique cultural diversity can be seen in its beautiful historical and cultural attractions, food and music. It is a hub of cultural excitement of Louisiana. Music, theatre and dance are available to the people of all tastes. The city is home to LSU and several colleges, thus oozing out the youth energy. People of Baton Rouge are warm and welcoming. Enjoy the southern hospitality in Baton Rouge!
Time Zone and Phone Codes of Baton Rouge
Time Zone
Baton Rouge follows the Central Time Zone.
UTC-GMT Offset: Baton Rouge is GMT/UTC- 6 hours during Standard time; Baton Rouge is GMT/UTC-5 hours during Daylight Saving Time
Daylight Saving Time Usage: Baton Rouge uses Daylight Saving Time
Time Zone Abbr.: CDT is Central Daylight Time; CST is Central Standard Time
Phone Codes
Baton Rouge Area Code is 225
Best Time to Visit Baton Rouge
Baton Rouge has a warm climate year-round. The best time to visit Baton Rouge is spring (March & April) that features sunny and warm days and cool nights. Another pleasant time of the year to visit Baton Rouge is fall, i.e. from October to November, when the climate is comfortable.
The city has a slew of events and festivals year-round. Some of the popular ones are:
Important Locations in Baton Rouge Map Guide
