19 Curious Baton Rouge Facts That Will Amaze You!

Baton Rouge is a city and also the capital of the American state of Louisiana.

The state of Louisiana is located in the south-central region of the United States. Founded in 1699, the city's nickname 'red stick' is roughly derived from its French translation.

Baton Rouge is preceded by New Orleans, becoming the second-largest city in the state of Louisiana. According to the 2020 census, Baton Rouge is the 99th most populous city in the United States of America. In addition to this, Baton Rouge also possesses the position of being the 18th most crowded state capital.

Apart from being the city with a teeming population, Baton Rouge contains some of the state's well-liked cultural hubs, which boast of having a history dating back to 300 years.

And most of this long history can be witnessed or even tasted through its cuisine, marvelous architecture, and unique arts taking over Baton Rouge.

It also makes for a perfect holiday season getaway with the city's prominent luxury hotels and pubs, rendering it visiting a very enjoyable experience.

And if you ever find yourself exploring this beautiful city of Baton Rouge located just an hour away from New Orleans, read these informative and fun facts to familiarize yourself so that you can venture into the city knowing little more than most people.

Read these interesting facts about the Baton Rouge area, which is the capital city of Louisiana. Afterward, also check out Chennai facts and Delhi facts.

Geographical Location Of Baton Rouge

Baton Rouge happens to be the parish seat of the East Baton Rouge Parish, which is situated along the banks of the Mississippi River. The city is located in such a way that it lies on a lower elevation which is between 50-62 ft (15.1-18.8 m) above sea level.

Due to its proximity to Houston, Jackson, and New Orleans, the city is also regarded as being the center for transportation.

The United States census bureau states that the total area of the city is 79.15 sq mi (205 sq km), where most of the 77 sq mi (200 sq km) is land area, and the area covered by water is just 2.81 %.

Baton Rouge, which is situated in southeast Louisiana, is the fifth-largest city on the Mississippi River and is also the hospice of Louisiana's greatest parish.

Baton Rouge's geographical advantage enhances the process of commercial activity in the area. Baton Rouge contains the country's largest deepwater ports, which enable it to handle ocean-going vessels and river barges.

The massive aspects in the development of industries in the city have been largely credited to its attractive and convenient locations. The port of Baton Rouge possesses 85 mi (136 km) along the Mississippi River in its jurisdiction.

Industries in this area have mainly been flourishing due to the natural resource basin located in the greater Baton Rouge, which inexpensively is helping them in getting access to various natural resources like salt, gas, oil, timber, and sulfur, including other raw materials.

Baton Rouge is 157 sq mi (406 sq km) upriver from the Gulf of Mexico. Since the city is situated on the subterfuge along the Mississippi, it has guarded natural protection in case of flooding.

In addition to that remarkable fact, Baton Rouge's position of being 80 mi (128 km) inland from the coast means that significant hurricanes will not cause much, if any, damage to the city.

A census conducted in 2017 by the United States Census Baton Rouge is the 71st largest metropolitan statistical area. Hence the city of Baton Rouge, with all its geographical precedence and teeming commercial activities, contributed extensively to the unfaltering economy of Louisiana.

History Of Baton Rouge

Baton Rouge is historically a significant city in the state of Louisiana. Here are some extremely important facts related to the history of Baton Rouge:

The first-ever human habitation of Baton Rouge dates back to 12000 BC. This particular evidence was found during the excavations held along the banks of the Mississippi and Amite rivers. The tribes of ancient hunter-gatherers in the middle archaic period-built columns of earthwork mounds during the fourth millennium BC.

Fast forward to the early 17th century, when the French established the city of Baton Rouge as a military post. The name of the city found its roots back in 1699 when explorers from France took notice of a red cypress tree that did not have any bark.

This tree was determined to be the boundary of the hunting grounds of Bayou Goula and the Houma. Thus, the tree was named 'Le Baton Rouge' of Red Stick.

In the middle 1700s when the British chased away the Acadia settlers who spoke in French, making them enter into the region of rural Louisiana. However, Baton Rouge was made the capital of Louisiana in the year 1849.

The early 19th century was one of the advantageous centuries for the city's development, and steamboat trading played a vital role in this process.

The city of Baton Rouge was also home to the United States' longest sieges during the third battle that took place in Baton Rouge in the year 1862. It is a fact that 18000 union soldiers defeated 6000 troops from the Confederate states.

After the efficient booming of the petrochemical industry in Baton Rouge, buildings and modern architecture began to witness the boom. The process started around 1990 but continued throughout the 2000s.

The development of Baton Rouge never saw a halt from that moment, and in fact, it was considered to be the fastest-growing city in respect to technology in the whole of southern United States.

Did you know that Baton Rouge was the seat of East Baton Rouge Parish in the year 1811!

Baton Rouge area owes its cultural significance and historical heritage to its location on the Istrouma Bluff. This bluff is the first natural bluff that is present upriver from the Mississippi River Delta along the Gulf Of Mexico.

Some of the interesting historical facts about Baton Rouge, Louisiana:

Due to its carefully chosen geographical position, the city of Baton Rouge is protected by floods and hurricanes.

The European explorers who first settled in the area of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, contributed so much to its history.

French explorers Sieur d'Urberville and his crew were the first Europeans to arrive in Baton Rouge in the year 1699.

In the year 1893, a resident of Baton Rouge described the city as a 'quaint old place' populated with 10,000 residents.

Louisiana State University is located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Louisiana State University contributed the highest number of soldiers to World War II.

Economic activities like steamboat trading, which supported Baton Rouge in its earliest times, transformed significantly in 1906 when the discovery of natural gas and oil transpired in northern Louisiana.

Famous Tourist Spots Of Baton Rouge

Are you planning a trip to Baton Rouge? Then it would help if you wanted to visit some of the most important attractions that the city has to offer. Here are some of the most famous tourist spots of Baton Rouge:

Baton Rouge's unique architectural styles, scenic landscapes, and history of war and trade have made the city one of the most desirable tourist attractions and culturally rich centers in the United States.

However, the city's popularity is not just limited to that. In recent times, many people in the country have viewed Baton Rouge as a perfect holiday season getaway with its chains of luxury food and delicious cuisine.

And one of the more significant advantages of going into Baton Rouge is that not many people are aware of its beauty and underrated tourist spots, so you don't have to wait in line or fight the crowds to enjoy the city.

Here we've made a comprehensive list of the thing or spots you can go to whenever you find yourself in Baton Rouge:

The Old State Capitol: Of course, who doesn't want to spend their holiday time meandering through the neo-gothic piece of architecture which played an essential role in shaping the city's history.

Although the building no longer functions as the seat of government in Louisiana, it is an architectural curiosity if you are one of those curious individuals who find old architectonics beautiful.

Although built-in 1847, it was not revived and made capital until 1932.

Magnolia Mound Plantation: This age-old Louisiana plantation which was built in the late 18th century, is described to be one of the state's best plantations where nearly 15 % of it is available to its visitors who can, in turn, have an authentic experience in learning about the lives of people who lived there during the old times.

Governor's Mansion: The old governor's mansion, just like its capital, provides a unique and fascinating account of Baton Rouge's political history. Although the family of the governors no longer stays in this building, it is officially open for visiting and guided tours. The mansion was actually built to pay homage to the original design for the White house.

USS KIDD: If you are not familiar with this term but curious enough to learn more, let us explain more about this. USS KIDD was a battleship built in 1943.

It was also nicknamed 'The Pirate of the Pacific.' And if you happen to be in this place, make sure to visit its accompanying museum. And one of the perks is it is also permitted to come abroad on this ship and explore the facts that you've learned yourself.

The Baton Rouge Zoo: The visiting of the Baton Rouge Zoo must, of course, be a part of your travel itinerary. The zoo boasts of hosting animal species from all around the world.

You can find Galapagos tortoises, rhinos, big cats like lions and tigers, parrots, otters, and numerous other different species hailing from a variety of habitats. And this visit will be worth your time.

LSU Tiger Stadium: You can find LSU tiger stadium while exploring downtown Baton Rouge. Established in 1924, the stadium has gone through numerous renovations over time, but still, it is one of the largest and formidable football stadiums located in the state of Louisiana. Due to its daunting persona, the stadium is also nicknamed Death Valley.

Weather And Population Of Baton Rouge

Here are some extremely important facts related to the weather and population of Baton Rouge:

The city of Baton Rouge is termed one of the largest metropolitan cities with its ever-growing population. According to the census of the United States bureau conducted in the year 2020, the city has a population of about 227,470.

It is also the second-largest city after New Orleans in the state of Louisiana. The city is also the center for greater Baton Rouge, which also happens to be the second-largest metropolitan area in the state, with inhabitants counting up to 870,569.

During the 2010 census, Baton Rouge was ranked as one of the fastest-growing metropolitan cities in the USA. The census also estimated that black and African American inhabitants form the largest communities in the city.

The location of Baton Rouge is such that it is reported to have a climate of subtropical humidity. With winters being forbearing and summer consisting of hot and humid temperatures. The rainfall in the city is also adequate, making it to the list of one of the wettest cities in the whole of the United States.

It is estimated that generally, Baton Rouge is not extensively snowy, but during the winter season, there is some short possibility of ice formation. Although most of Baton Rouge is protected by floods and hurricanes, the city does get occasionally hit by debilitating cyclones making the citizens worry about the after-effects of the growing climate change.

Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created many interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestions for Baton rouge facts, then why not take a look at the lighthouse at Alexandria, Egypt: who created it and more!, or 11 schools in Brazil facts that you probably haven't heard before.