Louisiana State Capitol Buildings | New & Old State Capitols (2024)

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Baton Rouge houses over 300 years of colorful history for you to explore, and there’s no better way to get started than with the Old and New State Capitols! Each represents the Red Stick’s cultural history and tells its own story. Embrace the vast height of the tallest state capitol in the United States or the castle-like structure of the Old State Capitol—check them out for yourself and see which is your favorite! Book a tour and start your adventure today!

Louisiana State Capitol Buildings | New & Old State Capitols (1)
  • 900 North Third Street
  • (225) 342-7317

The Louisiana State Capitol is the Tallest Capitol in the US! The building is 450 ft high & 460 ft to the tip with 34 floors. The capitol houses the chambers for the Louisiana State Legislature, made up of the House of Representatives and the Senate, as well as the office of the…

Louisiana State Capitol Buildings | New & Old State Capitols (2)
  • 100 North Boulevard
  • (225) 342-0500

A National Historic Landmark standing high on a bluff overlooking the Mississippi River. Houses the Old State Capitol Museum which contains several state of the art exhibits. Louisiana's "castle-on-the-river" is the recipient of distinguished awards for architecture and exhibit…

Louisiana State Capitol Buildings | New & Old State Capitols (3)
  • State Capitol
  • (225) 342-5914

Located on the 27th floor of the Louisiana State Capitol, provides a spectacular panoramic view of the Mississippi River and the Capital cityscape. The gift shop offers great Louisiana and Baton Rouge souvenirs, and a perfect place to look for a unique Louisiana gift.

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Louisiana State Capitol Buildings | New & Old State Capitols (4)
  • 100 North Boulevard
  • (225) 342-0500

During your visit to the Old State Capitol also know as State House, be sure to stop by the museum shop offering a great selection one-of-a-kind merchandise, including works from local artists. Everything from Art, Gifts, Bookstore, Stationary, Fashion Accessories, Historical…

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Louisiana State Capitol Buildings | New & Old State Capitols (7)

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Louisiana State Capitol Buildings | New & Old State Capitols (8)

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Louisiana State Capitol Buildings | New & Old State Capitols (2024)

FAQs

Why is Louisiana Old State Capitol important? ›

Today, the Old State Capitol interprets Louisiana's often rowdy and certainly flamboyant political history, including a fascinating exhibit on the controversial state governor and U.S. senator, Huey Long.

Why did the capital of Louisiana change? ›

In 1846, the state legislature in New Orleans decided to move the seat of government to Baton Rouge. As in many states, representatives from other parts of Louisiana feared a concentration of power in the state's largest city.

What are some fun facts about the Louisiana State Capitol building? ›

The building stands 450 feet tall (34 floors,) making it the tallest capitol in the United States. It is one of only four skyscraper capitols in the country and one of only nine capitol buildings that does not have a dome. The building contains 249,000 square feet and sits on 27 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds.

What are the two capitals of Louisiana? ›

In 1866, with the Civil War now over, the state capitol was re-established in New Orleans and the building remained vacant. The state constitutional convention of 1879 stated that Baton Rouge was once again to become the seat of government in Louisiana.

Why is the state capitol important? ›

State capitals are important because they house the governments of their states with a meeting place for the state legislature, called a capitol.

What state has the oldest state capitol? ›

The Maryland State House. The beautiful Maryland State House is the oldest state capitol in continuous legislative use and is the only state house ever to have served as the nation's capitol.

Why is it called Baton Rouge? ›

French Explorers

Pierre Le Moyne D'Iberville's writings refer to the area as Istrouma or Red Stick, which when translated into French becomes Baton Rouge. Records of D'Iberville describe large reddened poles erected by Indians with fish and bear heads attached in sacrifice.

Why is the Louisiana capitol so tall? ›

Huey Long famously wanted this to be the tallest state capitol in the United States. He basically wanted a tower, and he also wanted to depict the history and story of Louisiana. And the other thing is that he wanted it built with speed very quickly. And this capital may be amongst the best in the United States.

Why did America buy Louisiana? ›

The Original Goal: Buying New Orleans

To him, New Orleans was key: Whoever owned it would be America's natural enemy because that nation would control the channel through which produce from more than a third of the United States had to pass.

Who built the old Louisiana State Capitol? ›

What state has the tallest state capitol? ›

The Louisiana State Capitol is the Tallest Capitol in the US! The building is 450 ft high & 460 ft to the tip with 34 floors.

Who was Louisiana named after? ›

Louisiana was named after King Louis XIV when the land was claimed for France in 1682. Louisiana is called the Pelican State because of its state bird.

Who founded Louisiana? ›

1714- Louis Juchereau de St. Denis founds the first permanent settlement in Louisiana , Fort St. Jean Baptiste, current-day Natchitoches .

What is the state bird of Louisiana? ›

The brown pelican is Louisiana's official bird. Pelicans are famous for their large bill, the lower portion of which has a pouch that can be greatly extended. The state tree is the bald cypress.

What building is 450 feet tall? ›

Louisiana capitol building | At 450 feet tall it is the tall…

Why is the state Louisiana important? ›

Through much of its early history Louisiana was a trading and financial center, and the fertility of its land made it one of the richest regions in America as first indigo then sugar and cotton rose to prominence in world markets. Many Louisiana planters were among the wealthiest men in America.

What city was the original capital of Louisiana? ›

In order to secure the mouth of the Mississippi River for the French, the town of New Orleans was founded in 1718 and became the capital for colony of Louisiana in 1722.

What is the state of Louisiana known for? ›

One of the things Louisiana is best known for is Mardi Gras, which is French for “Fat Tuesday.” Mardi Gras is celebrated in a variety of ways around the state, but most include eating king cake, participating in parades, and costuming. The holiday represents an integral part of Louisiana's culture and heritage.

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