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Baton Rouge, LA
Best Historic Sites (Attractions & Activities)
(10 Overall Closest) |
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Louisiana State Capitol Building |
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(Attractions & Activities - Historic Sites) |
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State Capitol Dr, Baton Rouge 70802 • 225-342-7317 |
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Description:
DOWNTOWN. Looking more like a skyscraper than a state capitol, this striking Art Deco structure was built in 1931 at the behest of then-governor Huey Long. Rising 450 feet and 34 stories, the Capitol is filled with sculptures, murals, and rich materials. Surrounding it are also fifty acres of gardens, and from the observation deck on the 27th floor, amazing views are afforded. In 1935, Governor Long, a controversial figure in state politics, was assassinated in the building by a local doctor for indeterminate reasons. |
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Magnolia Mound Plantation |
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(Attractions & Activities - Historic Sites) |
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2161 Nicholson Dr, Baton Rouge 70802 • 225-343-4955 |
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Description:
BATON ROUGE. Nestled in a grove of gracefully arching trees, Magnolia Mound began as a small, late 18th-century home and was expanded into a plantation home. Its French Creole styling is relatively simple, and the home, elevated on piers, features a generous porch. One of Louisiana's oldest wooden structures, it also features a coved ceiling and French and Caribbean details. Along with the home itself, guides in period costume point out gardens, dependencies, and slave cabins. One of the closest plantations to Baton Rouge. |
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Myrtles Plantation |
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(Attractions & Activities - Historic Sites) |
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7747 US Hwy 61, St. Francisville 70775 • 800-809-0565 |
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Description:
ST. FRANCISVILLE. This gracious plantation home, claimed by some to be haunted, sits amid beautifully landscaped grounds and ageless oaks. Built around 1796, the Myrtles is low-slung with a generous, beautifully detailed porch. Inside, the home is a study of richness, complete with marble, crystal chandeliers, Aubusson tapestries, and dainty furniture. A restaurant is located on the premises, along with a spacious brick courtyard and gift shop. Bed-and-breakfast accommodations are available. Thirty miles north of Baton Rouge. |
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Oak Alley Plantation |
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(Attractions & Activities - Historic Sites) |
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3645 Hwy 18 (Great River Rd), Vacherie 70090 • 800-442-5539 |
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Description:
VACHERIE. As stately as the plantation home of imagination, this Greek Revival structure features an oak allee leading to the entrance and is a magnificent presence amid the grounds. Dating from 1839, Oak Alley was built after the planting of the oaks and was situated to maximize the approach to the home. Costumed guides offer tours, and on the grounds are a restaurant, cafe, gift shop, and blacksmith's shop. Bed-and-breakfast accommodations are available, and private functions can be accommodated as well. Midway between Baton Rouge and New Orleans. |
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Old Governor's Mansion |
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(Attractions & Activities - Historic Sites) |
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502 North Blvd, Baton Rouge 70802 • 225-387-2464 |
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Description:
DOWNTOWN. Constructed in 1930, this stately mansion bears a strong resemblance to the White House and is believed to have been built in its image. The home was erected for Governor Huey Long and was lavishly adorned with sumptuous appointments and furnishings. When a new mansion was built in 1962, this one was given other uses until it was restored and opened for tours and special events. Visitors can now browse the elegant home and observe its beautiful details and artifacts that remember its past governor-residents. |
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Old State Capitol |
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(Attractions & Activities - Historic Sites) |
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100 North Blvd, Baton Rouge 70801 • 800-488-2968 |
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Description:
DOWNTOWN. Although Mark Twain had no fondness for this Gothic Revival structure, describing it as a "monstrosity," the Old Capitol boasts unmistakable presence. Situated to overlook the Mississippi, it was in use from 1850 to 1932 and even served as a prison. Today, the restored building houses a museum and acts to archive film, video, and other governmental documents. Exhibits detail the voting process, the assassination of former governor Huey Long, and the statehood and history of Louisiana. A gift shop is available, and the Old Arsenal Museum is located nearby. |
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San Francisco Plantation |
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(Attractions & Activities - Historic Sites) |
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2646 Hwy 44, Garyville 70051 • 888-322-1756 |
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Description:
GARYVILLE. Strikingly ornate, this home is distinctively Louisianan but is quite a departure from standard plantation architecture. Some have even deemed it "Steamboat Gothic" for its stylistic affinity to river paddleboats. Set along the Mississippi, the home was built in 1856 by Edmond Bozonier Marmillion and was quite an expensive venture, even for the time. Thanks to careful restorations in 1977, San Francisco shines again with gilt, color, faux painting, period fixtures, authentic furnishings, and a wealth of antiques. FYI: The name is a corruption of the French phrase "sans Fruscins," meaning "without money," or "broke." Forty minutes from Baton Rouge. |
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St. Joseph's Cathedral |
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(Attractions & Activities - Historic Sites) |
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412 North St, Baton Rouge 70802 • 225-387-5928 |
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Description:
DOWNTOWN. Reputed to be Baton Rouge's oldest church, this elegant cathedral actually sits on the site of two previous sanctuaries. The first was a Spanish church dating to the 1790s. The present building was constructed in the mid-19th century, although its steeple was added some forty years later. The detailed, symmetrical exterior is completely traditional and contrasts with more modern interior furnishings set amid arched, stained glass windows and a raftered ceiling. These contemporary renovations were carried out in the 20th century. |
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