Capital of Louisiana, Baton Rouge is a hub of industrial and commercial activities. The city is a blend of history, commerce and tradition, with oil refineries and chemical industries. The city is home to LSU (Louisiana State University), main port facilities and a wide array of cultural and historical attractions. With centrally located, the city is easily accessible and perfect to explore. Did you know that Baton Rouge’s name is French for “Red Stick”? Did you know that Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge in the only university in the country to actually have a mascot as a “live tiger”?
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Baton Rouge Geographic and Demographic Fast Facts
- The capital of Louisiana is Baton Rouge.
- It is located in southeastern Louisiana along the Mississippi River.
- It is the second largest city in the state.
- It is a port city because of the bridge constructed across the Mississippi River.
- The Port of the city is the ninth largest port in the United States in terms of shipping tonnage.
- The ethnic composition of Baton Rouge includes White-40.8%, Black or African American-50.4%, Native American-0.5%, Asian-3.5%, Latino or Hispanic-3.5%, and two or more races-1.3%.
- The city has warm climate with winters lasting for a short time.
Baton Rouge History Fast Facts
- In 1817, Baton Rouge was incorporated.
- The capital of Louisiana was transferred from New Orleans to Baton Rouge in 1849 for the first time.
- In 1861, Louisiana seceded from the United States, with capital again being shifted to New Orleans.
- Baton Rouge was again renamed the capital of Louisiana in 1882.
- In 1850, the Old State House was established.
- The city witnessed growth in the petrochemical industry in the 1950s and 60s, thus leading to expansion and growth.
Baton Rouge Government and Economy Fast Facts
- Baton Rouge is run by a consolidated government- the Parish of East Baton and the City of Baton Rouge.
- It is a political hub for the state.
- The largest industry in Baton Rouge is the petrochemical industry.
- It is a key industrial, medical, technology, petrochemical and research hub of the American South.
- According to Portfolio Magazines (2010), it is among the “Top 10 Places for Young Adults”.
- According to Brookings, Baton Rouge is ranked as one of the “Top 10 Cities in North American for Economic Strength”.
- According to CNN (2009), it was ranked as the ninth best place in the US to begin a new business.
Baton Rouge Important and Interesting Fast Facts
- Baton Rouge is nicknamed as “The Capital City”, “Red Stick”, “The Chemical City”, and “B.R.”.
- Baton Rouge in French means “red stick”.
- The tallest building in Louisiana is the Baton Rouge State Capitol Building about 450 feet.
- Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge in the only university in the country to actually a mascot as a “live tiger”. The name is Mike who is kept in a special habitat.
- "The Advocate" is the major daily newspaper in Baton Rouge.