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Baton Rouge History, Louisiana

Baton Rouge is the second largest city in Louisiana. It was discovered by the French explorer Iberville in 1699. It is situated along the Mississippi river in the southeast part of Louisiana. It is the economical, cultural and industrial hub of the United States. The port can process the big cargo carriers and deep ocean tankers.

The Baton Rouge port is among the largest sea ports in the United States. Baton Rouge is a historical place in the United States. There are many architectural points in this city. It is also known as Cajuns initially inhabited by the Acadians, who maintained their separate culture and traditions in this region.

It attracts millions of tourists every year from all over the world. Some of the best touristic spots in this city are Louisiana Association of Museums, Museum and Challenger Learning Center, Museum of Natural Science, Baton Rouge Industrial Park, Baton Rouge Country Club, Heritage Manor Nursing Home, Hope State Landing and Christa Mc Auliffe Sherwood Center.

Architect James Dakin designed the State Capitol building in this city.

Baton Rouge was established as a Military base by the French in 1719 and it has been ruled successfully by the French, British, and Spanish in the eighteenth century. It functioned and was administered by seven governing bodies including The Florida Republic, Louisiana, France, England, Spain, the Confederate States and the United States.

The human remains found along the Mississippi, Comite, and Amite rivers indicate that Baton Rouge was inhabited about 8000 BC. In the mid 17th century, the French speaking settlers were forcefully driven by the British Forces to the rural areas of Baton Rouge. In 1817, Baton Rouge became the state capital of Louisiana. During the Third Battle of Baton Rouge, the capital was moved to Shreveport but it was returned back to Baton Rouge in 1880.

During the 19th century, the city grew steadily due to the trade and transportation infrastructure. The town of Baton Rouge had undergone major industrial developments, resulted in the production of petroleum products, salts and natural gas. Major petroleum companies established their plants in this city and throughout World War II, these plants increased their product to supply fuel to the war planes.

After 1950, Baton Rouge witnessed boom in the petroleum industry causing the city to expand. Many multimillion development projects were started in this city.