Baton Rouge

Baton Rouge
Capital city
City of Baton Rouge
Nickname(s):  Red Stick
Motto(s):  "Authentic Louisiana at every turn"
Country	United States
State	Louisiana
Parish	East Baton Rouge Parish
Founded	1699
Government
• Type	Mayor-Council
• Mayor	Sharon Weston Broome
Time zone	UTC-6 (Central (CST))
• Summer (DST)	UTC-5 (CDT)
Area code(s)	225

Baton Rouge is the capital of the U.S. state of Louisiana. Located in the southeastern part of the state along the Mississippi River, it is the political hub of Louisiana and is its second-largest city after New Orleans. Baton Rouge is a major industrial, petrochemical, medical, research, motion picture, and growing technology center of the American South.

History

The area of Baton Rouge was first documented by European explorers in 1699. It was officially established as a military post by the French in 1719. The city's name, which means "red stick" in French, derives from the red cypress wood poles that marked local Native American hunting territories. Throughout its history, Baton Rouge has been governed by France, Britain, Spain, Louisiana, the Florida Republic, the Confederate States, and the United States.

Geography

Baton Rouge is located on a bluff to the north of the Mississippi River, making it relatively safe from flooding. The landscape is characterized by a mix of hills and flat coastal plains.

Economy

The economy of Baton Rouge primarily revolves around the petrochemical industry, which is driven by the abundance of natural gas and oil in the region. Other significant sectors include medical research and technology, supported by institutions such as the Louisiana State University and the Pennington Biomedical Research Center.

Culture

Baton Rouge has a rich cultural heritage, influenced by a blend of French, Spanish, Creole, and African cultures. The city is known for its cuisine, music, and festivals, including the annual Mardi Gras celebration. The Louisiana State Capitol, a 34-story, Art Deco skyscraper is also a notable cultural landmark.

Education

The city is home to several higher education institutions, including Louisiana State University (LSU), one of the largest universities in Louisiana, and Southern University, which is the largest historically black university in the U.S.

Transportation

Baton Rouge is served by the Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport, providing both domestic and international flights. The city's transportation infrastructure also includes a network of interstate highways, including I-10 and I-12, facilitating road travel to major cities like New Orleans and Houston.

Demographics

The demographics of Baton Rouge are diverse, with a significant African American population alongside White, Hispanic, and Asian communities.

Government

The city of Baton Rouge is governed by a Mayor-Council government system. The current mayor is Sharon Weston Broome.

See also

• Louisiana State Capitol
• Southern University
• Mississippi River