Downtown Baton Rouge "Where History Meets Harmony"

If you are thinking about visiting or "relocating to Baton Rouge", taking a trip downtown should be on top of your 'to do' list. Ten years ago, downtown Baton Rouge was nothing more than an overlooked, underpopulated area that mimicked a ghost town. In 1998, "Plan Baton Rouge" was put into action to save downtown Baton Rouge, in hopes of bringing life and culture back to the area. Since the implementation of the plan, the downtown area has revived and continues to grow as one of the hottest places to visit in Baton Rouge. While there are several new and hip venues downtown, we cannot forget the historical places that have rightfully claimed their spot in history.

It's easy to overlook the small pieces of the past due to the new age improvements but I find it hard to believe that anything new can ever outshine the history that downtown Baton Rouge holds. While visiting downtown Baton Rouge, blending in the new with the old is most likely to create an impressionable experience. Some of the downtown buildings that take us back in time are the Old Louisiana State Capitol, New Louisiana State Capitol, Old Louisiana Governor's Mansion and the New Louisiana Governors Mansion. These buildings are impossible to miss but let's throw in a little flavor to bring them to life.

Old Louisiana State Capitol

Louisiana State Legislature used to be in New Orleans.
During 1846, the seat of government moved to Baton Rouge.
A $20,000 parcel of land was donated to Louisiana and this was the "Capitol's" new home.
An architecture named James Dakin was hired to design the State Capitol.
Numerous people wanted him to copy the design of the Capitol in Washington.
James decided with the Neo-Gothic medieval castle, overlooking the MS.
Currently, the Louisiana Old State Capitol is used for housing federally chartered veteran's organizations.

New Louisiana State Capitol

This is the capitol building of Louisiana.
It's 450 feet tall and 34 stories.
It is the tallest capitol building in the United States
It's the tallest building in Baton Rouge.
Its home to the Louisiana State Legislature, Governors office and the Executive branch.
It's a national historic landmark.
It features sculptures, depicting scenes from Louisiana and U.S. History.

Old Louisiana Governor's Mansion

The mansion was built in 1930 when Huey P. Long was Governor.
Huey Long was the first resident at the Old Governor's mansion.
It has been reported that the mansion was a carbon copy of the White House.
Huey wanted the mansion to be identical to the White House so when he 'became' president, he would be familiar with the layout.
The mansion has two floors, a basement and an attic.
Huey's residency ended after only 32 years.

New Louisiana Governor's Mansion

This is the official residency of the Governor of Louisiana and family.
The cost of the mansion was $893,843.000.
A architectural firm in Shreveport designed the Governor's mansion.
The Oak Alley Plantation in Vacherie, Louisiana is said to be the inspiration of the exterior of the mansion.