Baton Rouge, the capital city of Louisiana, is an unassuming destination that boasts a rich history, cultural interest, and varied sights and experiences to be had. From its riverfront walk along the Mississippi to its growing arts and culinary scenes, Baton Rouge offers a unique experience for visitors and residents alike. Let’s get into the story of this Southern gem.
What is Baton Rouge Famous For?
Running along the East bank of the mighty Mississippi River, Baton Rouge is a city that is a mix of historic and new, an example of a Southern city striving to improve and modernize in the new millennium. Mostly known as being the home to the flagship campus of Louisiana State University (LSU), (maybe even more than it is known to be a capital city,) Baton Rouge is a hub of government, education, and industrial activity.
Historically, Baton Rouge held significance during the US Civil War and features buildings and outposts of that era. In the present day, Baton Rouge often finds itself in the cultural shadow of the bigger and more distinct New Orleans, located a mere 82-miles-yet-a-world away down Interstate 10. Despite the frequent comparison, Baton Rouge has its own style and characteristics, and offers festivals and events year-round; outdoor and sporting activities; excellent restaurants; warm, friendly, family-oriented people.
Stay in Baton Rouge long enough and you’ll hear a local describe Baton Rouge as a “big small town.” A fitting assessment, for all the good and bad that might come along with that statement. Many of the amenities of a big city, while small enough to feel connected and local. Big enough to enjoy a wide-ranging culture, small enough where you only have one or two degrees of separation from anyone else, and you might see people you went to High School with wherever you go. Big Small Town Baton Rouge.
Why is the Capital of Louisiana called Baton Rouge?
The city’s name, derived from the French phrase “bâton rouge,” which means “red stick,” pays homage to its historical roots. It was given this moniker by French explorer Sieur d’Iberville in 1699, who noticed a cypress tree marked with a reddened pole, indicating the boundary between the Houma and Bayogoula Native American tribes. The source of the red color is a bit gruesome (as you may have guessed🩸) and some of the “red sticks” were topped with heads of game like bears and fish. Today, you’ll notice many Baton Rouge businesses boast the term Red Stick—such as Red Stick Spice Company and adorable book store Red Stick Reads. As for markers, the only red stick the city has today is a symbolic red stick sculpture, located on Baton Rouge’s Mississippi River Park.
What is the Story of Baton Rouge?
Baton Rouge’s history is deeply intertwined with the development of Louisiana and the broader American South. Originally inhabited by Native American tribes, the area was later colonized by the French, Spanish, and English, each leaving their indelible mark on the city’s culture and architecture. Seven flags have flown over Baton Rouge: France, Spain, England, Louisiana, West Florida, Confederate States of America, and finally the United States of America.
One of the most significant historical landmarks in Baton Rouge is the Old State Capitol, a striking Gothic Revival castle that served as the state’s seat of government from 1847 to 1932. Today, it stands as a museum, offering visitors a glimpse into the city’s storied past. The interior of the Old State Capitol is nearly as stunning as the exterior. Visitors will enjoy the spectacular multi-color stained glass rooftop and dramatic curved staircase. The Old State Capitol is also fun to visit during holidays as the interior will often be adorned with decorations (like at Christmas or during Mardi Gras.)
The current Louisiana State Capitol building is the tallest state capitol building in the United States (450 feet tall; 34 floors.) A beautiful example of art deco architecture, the Louisiana State Capitol has many areas open to the public, including an observation deck near the top of the building (a must visit.) Other areas include the various chambers (State house and senate rooms—ornate and anachronistic, look in and feel like you are traveling through time.) The steps of the capitol are meeting spots for demonstrators and other citizen activities. The names of the other 49 US states are found on the steps leading to the building.
Baton Rouge has other notable attractions throughout the city and parish, including Civil War era buildings and cemeteries; the grounds and buildings of LSU (and Tiger Stadium! And Mike the Tiger!); the Mississippi River and the levee; the wide and diverse park system; even the libraries!
What is the Population and Racial Makeup of Baton Rouge?
Baton Rouge is a mid-sized city relative to the rest of the United States, ranking about the 100th largest city in the country (108th as of 2023.) Baton Rouge is the fifth largest city on the Mississippi River and the second largest city in Louisiana (following New Orleans.)
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the city’s population is approximately 227,000, with a racial composition of 54.7% Black, 37.8% white, 3.5% Asian, and 3.2% Hispanic or Latino.
Wait a minute—you thought Baton Rouge was bigger? Many times when people discuss the demographics of Baton Rouge, they conflate the city (Baton Rouge) with the greater Baton Rouge area, or East Baton Rouge Parish (EBR.) East Baton Rouge Parish is the most populous parish in Louisiana. The population of East Baton Rouge Parish tops 450,000 (2022.)
Anecdotally, there is not a lot of mobility in Baton Rouge—nearly three-quarters of Louisianans are native to the State and never leave (Source: Bloomberg.) The top three most common birthplaces of foreign-born residents of Baton Rouge are Honduras, Mexico, and Vietnam.
Unfortunately, poverty is an issue in Baton Rouge, with a poverty rate of 24% (about double the 12.4% rate of poverty in the United States.) Baton Rouge skews younger—the median age is 31.9 years old. The median Baton Rouge household income is $50,155 which seems comparable to average wages until you see a graph like this:
Is Baton Rouge Safe?
Crime is an unavoidable topic when talking about Baton Rouge. The city has a higher rate of crime than Louisiana and the United States, coming in with 70.18 crimes per 1,000 residents (all crime – per Neighborhood Scout and FBI data.) Sadly, violent crime is high in Baton Rouge; property crime is higher (plan accordingly.)
Tragically, the Baton Rouge homicide rate is 51.8 per 100,000 residents (2022; NICJR.org) making it one of the deadliest cities in the United States.
What is Baton Rouge Culture Like?
Baton Rougians will often tout that local culture is “South Louisiana” (meaning distinct from the rest of Louisiana) and will playfully promote the concept of “the dirty South.”
Like other regions of Louisiana, Baton Rouge boasts many festivals and events. LSU sporting offers year-round games to attend. The Baton Rouge Blues Festival is internationally known and pays homage to the city’s rich musical heritage, attracting thousands of visitors annually. Mardi Gras is observed as a season with many neighborhood parades, culminating with the biggest/most well-known Spanish Town Mardi Gras Parade.
St. Patrick’s Day is observed by the boisterous (and sometimes sloppy) Wearin of the Green Parade. Many more informal events take place throughout the year and with a little searching, visitors are able to get out and about in the Red Stick for year-round fun.
Major Dates in Baton Rouge History
1699 – French explorer Pierre Le Moyne D’Iberville records the location of Baton Rouge (and notes the red sticks)
1718 – France builds a fort in Baton Rouge
1763 – BR was transferred to England by the treaty of Paris (Did you know Baton Rouge was briefly New Richmond?)
1779 – Spain defeats the English at Fort Butte on Bayou Manchac; Baton Rouge becomes Spanish
1803 – The Louisiana Purchase
1810 – Spain overthrown by local settlers, and the area was renamed the West Florida Republic. Look for West Florida Republic markers on Interstate 12 (and an oddly large number of West Florida Republic flags flying in the city of St. Francisville.)
1812 – Louisiana was admitted into the Union (April 8)
1817 – Baton Rouge was incorporated (January 16)
1849 – Baton Rouge became Louisiana’s capital
1994 – Garth Brooks releases “Callin’ Baton Rouge” (single, August 1)
2005 – Hurricane Katrina impacts New Orleans (many in the Red Stick cite this as a turning point for Baton Rouge)
2016 – Great Baton Rouge Flood
2024 – Baton Rouge city limits and demographics shift as an unincorporated area of the parish incorporates to form the new city of St. George
2025 – The first Republican Mayor-President in 24 years takes office
Baton Rouge Nickname Explainer
Baton Rouge has several nicknames including Red Stick; BR, BTR, and Cap City. Here’s what they mean:
Red Stick – Baton Rouge means “red stick” in French. Early French settlers noted red sticks used as boundary markers; the source of the red was blood and the sticks were often topped with game
BR – the initials of Baton Rouge
BTR – the airport code for Baton Rouge, but also sometimes makes it into the lexicon of locals
Cap City – refers to Baton Rouge as the capital of Louisiana but also has a double meaning that references crime in Baton Rouge or even the liars in government (as in “cap,” Zoomer slang for falsehoods)
Conclusion
What is the most interesting thing you learned about the Red Stick, Baton Rouge? If you are visiting for business or fun, there are lots of way to get to know this humble capital region. Whether you like city sights or natural beauty, Baton Rouge has something to offer—even if you have to do a little uncovering to discover it.
Sources:
– https://www.visitbatonrouge.com/history
– https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/batonrougecitylouisiana
– https://www.louisianatravel.com/baton-rouge
–https://datausa.io/profile/geo/baton-rouge-la
– https://www.lsu.edu/
– https://www.brbluesfest.com/
