Old Louisiana State Capitol
Old Louisiana State Capitol, Gothic Revival government building in downtown Baton Rouge, United States.
The Old Louisiana State Capitol features a central tower, ornate windows, and high ceilings that demonstrate the architectural preferences of the 1850s period.
The building, constructed between 1847 and 1850 under architect James Dakin's direction, functioned as Louisiana's center of government until 1932.
The structure houses exhibits about state democracy, including documents, artifacts, and displays that illustrate the evolution of Louisiana's political processes.
Located near the Mississippi River, this museum offers free admission and guided tours in multiple languages from Tuesday through Friday between 10 AM and 4 PM.
The building survived a fire during the Civil War and underwent complete restoration in 1976 to become the Museum of Political History.
Location: Louisiana
Location: East Baton Rouge Parish
Architectural style: Gothic Revival
Address: North Boulevard
Opening Hours: Tuesday-Friday 10:00-16:00, Saturday 9:00-15:00, Sunday off
Phone: +12253420500
Website: http://louisianaoldstatecapitol.org
GPS coordinates: 30.44666,-91.18861
Latest update: May 27, 2025 14:03
Louisiana preserves a diverse heritage through its plantations, museums, and natural areas. This collection includes sites where French colonial architecture can be seen along the Cane River, plantation buildings like Melrose and Frogmore that reflect cotton farming and African-American history, and the archaeological site of Poverty Point with its mounds dating to 1700 BC. Museums record the settlement of German communities in Germantown, Acadian culture, and the political history of the state at the old Capitol in Baton Rouge. Gardens and parks provide access to the region's characteristic landscapes. Avery Island Botanical Garden features 70 hectares of vegetation on a natural salt dome, while the bayou wetlands host a variety of wildlife. Places like the Chauvin Art Garden add a modern aspect with sculptures along a waterway. This route allows exploration of different periods in Louisiana's history, from pre-Columbian cultures to developments in the 20th century.
Baton Rouge preserves its history through several sites that showcase Louisiana's development. The State Capitol building, an art deco structure from 1932, towers over downtown at 140 meters high and offers a view of the Mississippi River and its surroundings from its observation deck. Nearby, the Former Governor's Residence from 1850 exemplifies Southern colonial architecture with its white columns, while the Magnolia Mound Plantation, established in 1791, reconstructs the life of French cotton planters. The city’s museums document different aspects of regional history. The LSU Rural Life Museum houses artifacts and documents on Louisiana's farming techniques from the 18th to the 20th century. The USS Kidd, a World War II destroyer moored on the Mississippi, exhibits collections on American naval history. Louisiana State University's campus features the LSU Tiger Stadium, built in 1924 and capable of holding over 100,000 spectators. The city also has natural areas such as the Bluebonnet Marsh Nature Center with its 43 hectares of marsh accessible via trails, as well as a zoo with 800 animals across 200 species.
USS Kidd
416 m
Louisiana State Capitol
1.2 km
Horace Wilkinson Bridge
1.1 km
Louisiana Governor's Mansion
1.6 km
Old Louisiana Governor's Mansion
348 m
Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center
242 m
Pentagon Barracks
960 m
Shaw Center for the Arts
133 m
BREC Memorial Stadium
2.1 km
Catedral de San José
611 m
Magnolia Cemetery
2.1 km
Yazoo and Mississippi Valley Railroad Company Depot
179 m
Baton Rouge National Cemetery
2 km
Capitol Park Museum
819 m
One American Place
603 m
Fort New Richmond
840 m
Odell S. Williams Now And Then African-American Museum
860 m
Baton Rouge City Club
163 m
13th Gate Necropolis
687 m
Prince Hall Masonic Temple
1.3 km
Riverfront Plaza/Levee Green
286 m
Main Street Historic District
625 m
Reiley-Reeves House
2 km
LSU Museum of Art
117 m
Pentagon Barracks Museum
989 m
Lincoln Theater
1.6 km
McKinley High School
1.7 km
Spanish Town Road Park
1.5 kmReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes