Baton Rouge
| Official name | City of Baton Rouge |
| Type | Capital city |
| Baton Rouge skyline and Mississippi River | |
| State | Louisiana |
| Country | United States |
| Established | 1699 |
| Population | 220,000 |
| Area (km²) | 229 |
| Time zone | Central (CST/CDT) |
| ZIP code(s) | 70801–70896 |
| Area code(s) | 225 |
Baton Rouge is the capital city of Louisiana and the second-largest city in the state. Located on the eastern bank of the Mississippi River, it is a cultural, political, and educational hub of the Deep South.
Overview
- Capital since 1849
- Name means “Red Stick” in French, referencing a historic boundary marker used by Native tribes
- Serves as a major port city, industrial center, and state government base
Landmarks and Attractions
- Louisiana State Capitol – tallest capitol building in the U.S.
- Old State Capitol – a Gothic Revival landmark and museum
- Louisiana State University (LSU) campus and Tiger Stadium
- USS Kidd Veterans Museum
- Baton Rouge River Center and Shaw Center for the Arts
Economy
Baton Rouge’s economy is driven by:
- **Petrochemical and oil refining** – including ExxonMobil’s large refinery
- **Government and higher education**
- **Port and shipping industries**
- **Health care and technology**
Culture and Lifestyle
- Strong Creole, Cajun, and African-American cultural influence
- Known for gumbo, jambalaya, zydeco music, and Mardi Gras celebrations
- Hosts events like the Bayou Country Superfest and Baton Rouge Blues Festival
- Sports-centric culture centered around LSU athletics
Education and Research
- Louisiana State University (LSU)
- Southern University – one of the largest HBCUs in the country
- Multiple research hospitals and medical centers
Transportation
- Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport (BTR)
- Interstates I-10 and I-12 connect Baton Rouge with New Orleans and beyond
- CATS (Capital Area Transit System) serves public transportation
Fun Facts
- The Louisiana State Capitol is 450 feet tall and has an observation deck
- Baton Rouge was briefly controlled by the Spanish, French, British, and Confederacy
- Home to one of the nation’s largest college football stadiums