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Baton Rouge, Louisiana - The Amazing City of Baton Rouge, LA - USA

As the capital and largest city of Louisiana, Baton Rouge is an easygoing city for its size.  Baton Rouge is the model of all things that the state has to offer.  It is one of the fastest growing cities in the south, rich in culture, cuisine and music.  From east to west, Baton Rouge offers an endless variety of scenes from the past and present.

Baton Rouge is located in East Baton Rouge Parish.  In 2004, the population was estimated at 224,097.  Some notable people that have lived in Baton Rouge are former All-American and 1959 Heisman Trophy winner Billy Cannon, actresses Reese Witherspoon and Donna Douglas, Olympic gold medalist Carly Patterson, and Football Hall of Fame recipient Jim Taylor.  Higher education is available through Louisiana State University (LSU), Southern University, A&M College, Baton Rouge College, and Louisiana Technical College - Baton Rouge Campus.

Historical Overview of Baton Rouge

In March of 1699, a French exploration party stepped onto the site off the Mississippi River, led by Sieur d'Iberville.  They encountered a cypress pole smeared in animal blood and fish heads that signified the hunting ground boundaries between the Houmas and Bayougoulas Indians.  Baton Rouge is French for the English translation "Red Stick."  The first recorded settlement in Baton Rouge occurred in 1718; Bernard Diron Dartagiette resided there with a companion and 25 blacks (some might have been slaves).

In 1762, the secret Treaty of Fontainebleau included the acquisition of eastern Louisiana by Great Britain.  At this time, Baton Rouge became a continuously settled community. 

For the 20 years between the American Revolution and the Louisiana Purchase, American immigrants hungry for land poured into the South.  Baton Rouge was not included in the 1803 Louisiana Purchase.  Following an order from President James Madison, Governor William C. C. Claiborne of New Orleans aided in taking possession of Baton Rouge.  On December 10th during the War of 1812, Baton Rouge now proudly bore the United States Flag. 

Arrival of “The New Orleans”

In January 1812 the first steamboat to operate in the western Mississippi River, "The New Orleans," arrived in Baton Rouge.  This was the beginning of what is today identified as the fifth largest port in the United States. 

The Texas, Louisville and New Orleans railroad arrived in the early 20th century, and Baton Rouge was on its way to a more futuristic leadership.  The construction of more modern conveniences began to surface such as waterworks and electricity.  Today Baton Rouge is a rapidly growing metropolis.  Baton Rouge is a city known for being on the cutting edge of technology, enthusiastic support for arts and local economical promotion. 

In 2005, Baton Rouge received minor damages in Hurricane Katrina's aftermath.  The city provided refuge for the evacuees from New Orleans.

Sites and Attractions in Baton Rouge

For family fun, the Baton Rouge Zoo (http://www.brzoo.org/) is a fun and interesting place to visit.  It is home to more than 1,800 animals from all over the world.  The zoo is the first in Louisiana to be honorably accredited by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association.  For more thrills, Dixie Landin' Amusement Park provides over 26 rides and fun for the whole family.

The Blue Bayou Water Park (http://www.bluebayou.com/) features more than 20 water rides. For music fans, the Darkroom is Louisiana's only live music location open to all ages.

Tourists can visit one of several sports locations such as the baseball stadium for LSU the Alex Box Stadium, or the Southern University basketball arena the F.G. Clark Center, or they can enjoy a football game at Memorial Stadium which seats 21,395 people.

For history and war buffs, the USS Kidd displays the Fletcher-class destroyer, which was the first US Naval ship to be named after Isaac P. Kidd, who died on the bridge of his flagship USS Arizona during the Pearl Harbor attack.

For more information on Baton Rouge, LA USA please visit the official government website. (http://www.brgov.com)