Louisiana Hiking Trails was incorporated in 1975 as a non-profit
corporation by Eagle Scout Pierre Connor III. The purpose of this
corporation is to administer historic trails in the State of Louisiana
for the benefit of the public.
Louisiana Hiking Trails is staffed entirely by volunteers. The
corporation's initial capital came from generous grants and the only
income today is proceeds from the sale of trail awards. This income
helps defray the cost of printing and distributing literature.
All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced,
stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any
means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise,
for purposes other than to directly aid the hiking of the trail,
without the prior written permission of Louisiana Hiking Trails,
Incorporated. Printed in the United States of America.
You are hereby invited to an enjoyable walking tour of the past and
present life of Baton Rouge, the capital city of Louisiana. The
Capitol Historical Trail, as this self-guided tour is called, features
stops at many historical sites and museums in Baton Rouge. This
pamphlet contains all the information you will need. Please read this
pamphlet in its entirety before you begin your hike. We wish you an
enjoyable hike!
The Capitol Historical Trail is 12 miles (19.3 km) long and begins and
ends at the same point (the Parker Agricultural Coliseum on the
Louisiana State University campus). There is an optional stopping
point after 6 miles (9.7 km) at the Louisiana State Capitol. The
resting point, after 4 miles (6.4 km), has benches and garbage
containers and is therefore an excellent location for eating a sack
lunch. These three points are marked on the TRAIL MAP.
If you are finishing at the optional stopping point, then you will
probably have your transportation drop you off at the starting point
and pick you up at the stopping point. On the other hand, if you are
hiking the full trail (which starts and ends at the same location on
the Louisiana State University campus), please keep in mind that LSU
allows non-registered vehicles to park only on most weekends and
certain holidays. You can find the telephone number for LSU Visitor
Registration & Information on the FACILITIES SHEET. Please call and
make sure parking is available before you depart.
There is no need to register before hiking the Capitol Historical
Trail because the trail does not cross any private property. We keep a
record of the quantity of adult and youth hikers who use the trail
each year. We base this information on the AWARD APPLICATION, which
groups mail to us after hiking. It is important that groups mail us
that form after hiking, whether or not they choose to apply for
awards.
There is no charge for hiking the trail and you are required to enter
only those museums which are free of charge. Consequently, the only
money you need to bring is a little change for emergencies. However,
you are welcome to visit those museums which charge admission, in
which case you must bring the necessary amount.
There are no camping facilities along the trail. However, facilities
are available nearby in the Baton Rouge area. They are listed on the
FACILITIES SHEET.
Trail awards are available to all who have completed the hike on foot
and have answered the questions along the way. A souvenir medal,
consisting of a medallion draped from a ribbon, and a souvenir patch
are available.
BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA: Please note that the medal is approved for
wearing on the uniform, but the patch is not. The patch may be sewn
onto the back of an activity jacket or may be used for patch swapping.
Welcome to Baton Rouge, the capital city of Louisiana. Baton Rouge is
located at the north end of the highly industrialized "Petrochemical
Gold Coast", which is so named because of the high concentration of
refinery and chemical plants which line both sides of the mighty
Mississippi between Baton Rouge and New Orleans. Industry is
traditional in the area. According to the Junior Archaeological
Society, American Indians manufactured tools and weapons from native
chert in the area as early as the first century AD.
Baton Rouge is situated on a high terrace on the east bank of the
Mississippi. This commanding position naturally attracted people to
the area from the earliest times. The Houma and Bayou Goula Indian
tribes used the region for hunting. To denote the boundary between
their hunting grounds, they chose a large cypress tree which they used
for hanging up freshly-caught game. In time, the blood from their
kills permanently stained the tree red. Local Choctaw Indians chose to
be called the Istroumas, since the word in Choctaw meant "the red
pole". Early French visitors to the area also noted the tree by
referring to the territory as "Le Baton Rouge" (the red stick), and
thus the city, which later built here, came to be named.
Baton Rouge has a rich history under seven flags: French, English,
Spanish, West Florida, Louisiana, the Confederate States of America,
and finally the United States of America. Perhaps the first European
to visit the area was Robert Cavalier, Sieur de la Salle. He travelled
down the Mississippi from Green Bay, Wisconsin, in 1682 with a large
party and claimed the whole river valley for France. In 1699, Pierre
le Moyne, Sieur d'Iberville travelled 240 miles up the river from the
Gulf of Mexico against the current. Iberville is generally credited
with naming the area "Baton Rouge". The French held the area until
1762 when it was ceded to the British.
Four major battles were fought in and around Baton Rouge. These
battles accounted for the succession of flags to fly over the state
after the French and English. On Sept. 21, 1779, the British were
defeated here in the only battle of the American Revolutionary War to
be fought in this state. In the same year, Don Bernardo de Galvez took
over the territory for Spain. For the next thirty-one years, the area
was in Spanish hands. These facts help to explain why even today the
traditions of the area are a blend of French, Spanish and English. In
1810, the Spanish were driven from control by a small army of 300
plantation owners from Feliciana Parish. This group set up a new
government called the Republic of West Florida, with its capital
located in St. Francisville, Louisiana. The West Florida flag was
taken down and replaced by the Louisiana flag when Louisiana became a
state in 1819. By the Civil War, the population of the city had grown
to 5500 people. In 1861, the state seceded from the Union and the flag
of the Confederate States of America was raised briefly. Early in
1862, the Federal Army took Baton Rouge with little trouble. The final
Battle of Baton Rouge came on August 5, 1862 when the Rebels, under
the command of Major General Breckenridge, tried to retake the
city. Under the cover of darkness and intense fog, the Rebel Army
advanced so close to the battlements of the Federals that they could
hear singing in the Union camp. In the morning, after a bloody battle,
the Rebels were thrown back and never again attempted to take the
city.
Baton Rouge was incorporated as a city in 1812, after the Spanish were
driven from power. It became the capital in 1849. While the Federals
occupied the city, the capital city of Confederate Louisiana shifted
frequently. During this period, Opelousas, Alexandria, and Shreveport
served at various times as the state capital. The distinction of
"capital city" finally returned to Baton Rouge in 1882.
Before the turn of the century, Baton Rouge was a center of local
agriculture. Cotton and sugar cane were the major crops grown on a
number of large and beautiful plantations, many of which are now open
to the public as reminders of the past. At the turn of the century,
Baton Rouge numbered 25,000 people. Change took place rapidly with the
expansion of the petrochemical industries in the 1930's and
1940's. Today Baton Rouge is one of the key "energy centers" of the
country. Pipelines feed local refineries and chemical plants and, in
return, transport finished fuels and chemicals to the industrial
centers of the Midwest and East. Traffic up and down the Mississippi
has increased dramatically, making Baton Rouge the largest inland
seaport in the country. Today the city covers over 75 square miles and
has a population of more than 400,000 people.
We hope that this brief sketch of the history of Baton Rouge will make
your tour more interesting as you retrace the steps of historic
figures such as Iberville, Galvez, Lafayette and Zachary Taylor, who
had a powerful hand in making the area what it is now.
These directions contain different types of information. Each type is
indicated by a small graphic symbol:
Standard Hiking Instructions. Follow these if you do not wish to use a compass.
Compass Hiking Instructions. Follow these if you wish to use a
compass. We recommend that one person reads the instructions while
another person uses the compass.
Historical Site. Stop and read the historical information to your group.
The Capitol Historical Trail starts at the Parker Agricultural Center
on the Louisiana State University campus. You may reach the LSU campus
from I-10 by exiting at Acadian Throughway (exit number 157B) and
driving south. At the Perkins Road intersection, Acadian Throughway
becomes Stanford Avenue. Continue south along Stanford Avenue. On your
right will be University Lake. Turn right onto West Lakeshore Drive
(immediately past the lake). This winding road leads into the LSU
campus. Follow this road and you will go past another lake (Campus
Lake) on your right. The Parker Agricultural Center is next to the
large parking lot which you will soon see on your left. LSU allows you
to park here on most weekends and holidays, but please be sure to lock
your vehicles. You may assemble your group in the parking lot or you
may wish to use the grassy area across from the parking lot (next to
Campus Lake). At this point you are ready to begin hiking the Capitol
Historical Trail.
The French House, or La Maison Française, was completed in
1935 and served as the language center for students studying French
and Italian. During the war, it housed an Army Officers' Club and
military personnel attending school at LSU. After the war, LSU built a
new language laboratory in another building, and the French House was
used only as a dormitory for language majors. In 1968 the house was
closed because maintaining it became too expensive. It deteriorated
for many years but was eventually restored and opened again in
1981. Now it houses the LSU Press, one of the most highly respected
University publishing houses in the country. Notice the addition made
to the building in 1981.
1. How many circular windows are on the roof of the building?
The Memorial Tower was dedicated to the student veterans of all wars
from the Civil War to the present. Read the bronze tablet in front of
the tower. Turn around to look directly across the Parade Grounds,
where you will see the LSU Law School, which was patterned after the
United States Supreme Court building.
2. Who was the first president of Louisiana State University?
Foster Hall houses the Museum of Natural Science, which houses
dioramas and displays containing more than 100,000 common Louisiana
plants and animals in their natural habitats.
These burial mounds have been designated as an historical monument and
date back to the Marksville Era (AD 100). There are only three
remaining burial mounds in the area (you will visit the other one
later along the trail).
3. What is the name of the fieldhouse next to the mounds?
Upon reaching the cage, stop and visit the mascot (but don't get too
friendly). On the other side of North Stadium Road is the Tiger
Stadium, built in 1936, which seats 80,148 football fans on many fall
evenings. On the mascot's side of the street is the Pete Maravich
Assembly Center, which seats 14,237. The Assembly Center, completed in
1971, is a versatile arena used for concerts, theatrical productions,
and basketball games. Right next to the cage is the fenced Bernie
Moore Track Stadium.
4. What is the mascot's name?
Stop and examine the insignia and inscriptions on the gateways, which
mark the edge of the LSU campus.
Magnolia Mound is a charming old French settler's cottage completed in
1791 by John Joyce. The Baton Rouge Foundation for Historical
Louisiana has renovated the house and furnishes guided tours. Visit
the house and grounds now, being sure to pay special attention to the
gigantic trees in front of the house. The six largest ones have been
designated as Bicentennial Trees in commemoration of our nation's
200th anniversary.
(Optional.) Visit the grounds and museum. There might be a fee.
The LSU Center for River Studies is a collaborative partnership between
LSU and the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority (CPRA). It
includes a movable bed physical model of the Lower Mississippi River.
Continue along Arches Street to Water Street, then turn left to cross the
railroad tracks and River Road, and take the bicycle/pedestrian path towards the right to
the top of the levee. Proceed northward (against the flow of the river)
along the levee, crossing under the
Interstate 10 bridge, and passing a casino, until you reach the USS Kidd
Veterans Museum.
Continue at a bearing of 0° along Arches Street until you reach Water
Street. Now follow a bearing of 270° across the railroad tracks and
River Road, then follow a bearing of 310° to the top of the levee.
Proceed in a northerly direction along the levee, crossing under the
Interstate 10 bridge, and passing a casino, until you reach the USS Kidd
Veterans Museum.
Before visiting the museum, go to the Louisiana Memorial Plaza next to
the museum, which is dedicated to all Louisianians who served in
war. It lists the names of Louisianians who gave their lives or are
"missing in action". Take time to visit this area, and answer the
question.
Then visit the museum and the U.S.S. Kidd. Upon leaving
the U.S.S. Kidd, remain at the top of the levee.
5. Which war was the most costly?
From the top of the levee, continue northward (against the flow of the
river) until you reach an historical marker (by the fountains).
From the top of the levee, continue northward until you reach an
historical marker (by the fountains).
The marker describes a proposed plan for the city of Baton Rouge. You
are now at the Riverfront Plaza, the center of Baton Rouge's downtown
riverfront. You can walk out to the City Dock overlooking the river.
The fountain area includes a tall dark red pole representing the
cypress tree after which the Istroumas took their name and from which
the French-Canadian explorer Pierre Le Moyne d'Iberville chose the
name "le bâton rouge". (The cypress tree was not actually located in
downtown Baton Rouge. It is believed to have been located on Scott's Bluff,
by Southern University's campus.)
6. What is the name of the proposed village?
Use the steps in the plaza to walk down to street level and turn left
on River Road. Proceed until you reach the Louisiana Arts & Science
Museum.
Your next destination is the Louisiana Arts & Science Museum, at a
bearing of 15° from the historical marker.
Visit the Louisiana Arts & Science Museum (LASM), which used to be a train
station. Next to the museum (at the north end) is an old steam
locomotice with remodeled passenger cars. Visit this train as well.
7. At what time was train number 15 (southbound) due?
Cross the street using the raised pedestrian walkway bridge. Follow the
curved path in an easterly direction (away from the river) to the top of the grassy Repentance Park, climb a few steps, and
proceed to a tall red-and-blue sculpture.
Cross the street using the raised pedestrian walkway bridge. Follow the
curved path in an easterly direction to the top of the grassy Repentance Park,
climb a few steps, and proceed to a tall red-and-blue sculpture.
You are now at the site of the Baton Rouge Riverside and
Governmental Complex. This area is the focal point of the Baton Rouge
City-Parish government. The Performing Arts Theater, to your south,
houses performances of symphony orchestras, ballet
troupes, solo concerts, Broadway shows, and virtuoso artists.
The large arena and exhibition hall, towards the river from the theater,
are used for all types of events: conventions,
ice shows, sporting events, trade shows, concerts and meetings. Looking
north, to the right lies the ten-story Governmental Building, which houses the
offices of Baton Rouge civic leaders and City-Parish officials.
8. Who is memorialized by the red-and-blue sculpture?
Proceed north a short distance to Galvez Plaza and North Boulevard Town Square.
Proceed north a short distance to Galvez Plaza and North Boulevard Town Square.
To the right is the public library. The top floor has an open-air area
providing good views of this portion of downtown. Galvez Plaza has several
sculptures by the world-famous sculptor Ivan Meštrović and by his student Frank
Hayden, who became a professor at Southern University.
You have reached the resting point. If your group has brought a sack
lunch, the area makes an excellent spot for lunch. Please properly dispose
of your waste material.
Notice the Old State Capitol, located south of Galvez Plaza.
Walk to the entrance of the Old State Capitol, located on North
Boulevard. The
cornerstone of the Old State Capitol was laid in 1847, and the
building was completed two years later when Baton Rouge became the
state capital. The building is a Gothic Revival structure, originally
having three floors and four towers. In 1862 the building was taken
over by Federal troops. While they were quartered there, a fire broke
out, destroying all but the outer walls. The building was restored in
the 1880's, and housed the state government until 1932. Since that
time it has been extensively modernized and re-dedicated as a war
memorial. Visit the Old State Capitol now. Afterwards, tour the
grounds and locate the Henry Watkins Allen Monument.
9. What is this monument?
Walk around the Old State Capitol to the northeast corner where you
will reach the Old Boxcar.
Walk around the Old State Capitol to the northeast corner where you
will reach the Old Boxcar.
Following World War II, the columnist Drew Pearson organized the
"Friendship Train" to collect food and clothing for the war-ravaged
French and Italians. In thanks, the French sent a train of 49 boxcars
containing gifts for people in each of the states. This boxcar was
accepted by Louisiana Governor Earl K. Long in February of 1949.
10. How many men (hommes) or how many horses (cheveaux) could this car hold?
Hike east up North Boulevard (away from the river) to the eastern end
of the grassy portion of Town Square.
Hike east up North Boulevard to the eastern end of the grassy portion of Town Square.
Looking south, you'll see the library to the right, and the city court
building to the left.
11. How many two-person tables are located along the northern edge
of Town Square's grassy area?
Continue along North Boulevard until you reach the statue of Hebe (just
before St. Ferdinand street).
Continue along North Boulevard until you reach the statue of Hebe (just
before St. Ferdinand street).
On the left is the Old Post Office. It was erected in 1894 and served
as the Main Post Office and City Hall until 1955. The statue next to
you is of Hebe, the Greek goddess of Wine and Youth, Cup Bearer to the
Gods. It was given to the city in 1914 by the Women's Christian
Temperance Union. You are presently at the northern part of a planned
community originally laid out by Elias Beauregard in 1806. A number of
the houses which were part of Beauregard Town still reflect
Beauregard's original design.
Notice the names of the cross streets along North Boulevard. They were
originally named after various gentlemen, such as Louis, Ferdinand,
and Charles. Many of these names became "saints" due to a sign
painter's error. For example, instead of painting "Louis St.", the
sign painter wrote "St. Louis". Today, these streets are called by the
erroneous names.
12. When was the Old Post Office renovated?
Continue along North Boulevard to the corner of St. Charles Street,
where you will reach the Old Governor's Mansion.
Continue east along North Boulevard to the corner of St. Charles
Street, where you will reach the Old Governor's Mansion.
The Old Governor's Mansion housed Louisiana governors from 1930 to
1963. It was built from plans originally laid out by Thomas Jefferson
for the White House. In 1964 it became the site of the Louisiana Arts
& Science Center (LASC), including a planetarium, until the LASC
(now LASM) moved in 1976 closer to the river. The Old Governor's Mansion is now a historic
house museum with rooms representing the governors who lived
there. Read the plaque by the door and then visit the museum.
13. Under which governor was the mansion built?
Cross North Boulevard and proceed on St. Charles Street (now called
Fifth Street) to Convention Street. Turn left and follow Convention
Street one block to St. James Church.
Your next destination is St. James Church, at a bearing of 300°
from the front of the mansion.
St. James Church is a Gothic Revival structure completed in 1895. It
contains three magnificent stained glass windows over the altar. The
founding of the St. James Parish is described on the plaque beside the
church.
14. Of what religion is St. James Church?
Turn right on Fourth Street (away from North Boulevard) and walk one
block to Florida Boulevard. Turn left and walk two blocks to Lafayette
Street. Turn right and proceed to the Lafayette Building.
From the plaque, follow a bearing of 345° until you reach Florida
Boulevard. Now follow a bearing of 255° until you reach Lafayette
Street. Proceed at 345° until you reach the Lafayette Building.
Read the historical plaques on the building and in front of the
building. This building was constructed as two separate residences in
1762. The building is named thus because the Marquis de Lafayette
addressed a local audience from the balcony in 1825. The architecture
is reminiscent of the Vieux Carré (which literally means old
square) in New Orleans, commonly called the French Quarter. The
building itself has been used for a variety of purposes, including a
home, a law office, an insurance office, a theater, and an art
gallery.
15. Who was the original resident of the house?
Continue on Lafayette Street to Laurel Street. Turn right and proceed
on Laurel Street until you pass Fourth Street and reach the Old Bogan
Central Fire Station.
Continue on Lafayette Street to Laurel Street. Now proceed east on
Laurel Street until you pass Fourth Street and reach the Old Bogan
Central Fire Station.
In 1825 the Baton Rouge Bucket Company was formed to handle fire
emergencies in the city. In 1837 the city bought some hand-driven fire
engines and formed two fire units. They handled all fires until 1875,
when a third unit was formed and the three units formed a joint "Fire
Board" to organize the units and chose a Chief Fire Officer to have
complete charge of the three units. By 1889 there were six units, all
of which had and were staffed by volunteers. By 1890 they were using
the original buckets, the hand-driven fire engines, steam-powered
engines, and the new horse-drawn hose carts. In 1914 the first
mechanical fire engine was purchased by the city, and two years later
the city expanded its boundaries, requiring more volunteer fire
units. It was decided that the volunteer units should be disbanded and
replaced by paid units owned by the city, marking the beginning of the
Baton Rouge Fire Department. Robert A. Bogan became the first paid
Fire Chief and served for forty-one years. Chief Bogan accomplished
many things, which include first aid training for all firemen and the
creation of the Fire College, which is operated by Louisiana State
University. The Baton Rouge Fire Department is now very modern and
their good work allowed Baton Rouge to receive a "Class 1" safety
rating in 1980, which gives the citizens of Baton Rouge the lowest
fire insurance rates. Baton Rouge was the only city in the nation to
hold this rating at that time. Visit the museum now.
16. What year was the fire station built?
Continue on Laurel Street until you reach Fifth Street. Turn left and
walk one block to Main Street. Turn left and proceed on Main Street
for one block to Fourth Street.
Continue on Laurel Street until you reach Fifth Street. Now follow a
bearing of 345° until you reach Main Street. Follow a bearing of
245° until you reach Fourth Street.
You are now at St. Joseph Cathedral, the seat of the Roman Catholic
Bishop of the Diocese of Baton Rouge. St. Joseph Cathedral, the oldest
church in Baton Rouge, was originally constructed on land donated by
Don Antonio Gras. The original church burned and has been rebuilt
several times. Read the historical plaque beside the church.
17. When was St. Joseph Cathedral built?
Turn right and follow Fourth Street (towards the State Capitol) until
you reach Spanish Town Road. Turn left and proceed to Riverside Mall
North. Turn right and walk to the Pentagon Barracks.
From the corner of Main Street and Fourth Street, follow a bearing of
345° until you reach Spanish Town Road. Now follow a bearing of
270° until you reach Riverside Mall North. Proceed to the Pentagon
Barracks at a bearing of 320°.
The Pentagon Barracks were built in 1819-22 from hand-pressed bricks
which were dried in the sun. The barracks replaced an earthen fort and
served as soldier's quarters until 1877. During the Civil War, Federal
Troop occupied the barracks. Louisiana State University was situated
here from 1886 to 1925. Now they are used as state offices. In the
early nineteenth century, many important military men and public
figures either served at or visited the Pentagon Barracks-Zachary
Taylor, Robert E. Lee, Ulysses S. Grant, Jefferson Davis, Abraham
Lincoln, and Lafayette, to name just a few. Visit the Capitol Complex
Visitor Center in the northeast building.
18. How many buildings now make up the pentagon barracks?
Walk directly to the statue in the middle of the gardens in front of
the Louisiana State Capitol.
Walk directly to the statue in the middle of the gardens in front of
the Louisiana State Capitol.
This statue of Huey P. Long sits atop the grave of the famed Louisiana
statesman who was murdered here in 1935. You are in the middle of the
State Capitol gardens, which cost the state $1,000,000. In contrast,
the capitol building itself cost only $5,000,000. Both were completed
in 1932.
Walk to the front steps of the Louisiana State Capitol.
Walk to the front steps of the Louisiana State Capitol.
You are now in front of the tallest state capitol in the country,
rising 34 stories above the city. Begin your tour of the capitol by
climbing the front steps to the main entrance. Note the two groups of
statuary on either side of the entrance. The west group is called
"discovery" and includes a giant figure representing "adventure" above
two files of men led by DeSoto and LeSalle. The east group is called
"patriotism", and represents an heroic figure of an armed soldier with
a band of mourners surrounding a young warrior slain in battle. The
stone frame of the entrance illustrates moments of Louisiana history
containing twenty-two sculptured portraits of great men from the past.
Enter the building and proceed to the center of Memorial Hall. Look
down at the 1500-pound bronze medallion in the floor. Some believe it
good luck to pitch a penny onto the giant medal. Be certain to visit
the House and Senate chambers at either end of the hall. A guided tour
may be available.
Proceed to the hallway behind the elevators. Here is where Senator
Huey P. Long was shot on September 8, 1935, following a special
legislative session. His assassin was Dr. Carl Weiss, the son-in-law
of a judge whom Huey Long was seeking to have removed from
office. Dr. Weiss never moved from the spot, having been instantly
shot down by Long's bodyguards. Huey Long died two days later. You may
be able to locate some bullet holes in the wall.
Board the elevators for a visit to the Observation Deck. The
tremendous view which awaits you is well worth the wait for the
elevators. From the observation deck, you can view the chemical
industry to the north, Port Allen to the west, downtown Baton Rouge
and LSU to the south, and the rest of the city to the east.
19. How many steps are there at the front of the building?
Walk to the side of the front steps to the Creole State Museum.
Walk to the side of the front steps to the Creole State Museum.
Visit the Creole State Museum.
If some of your leaders need to shuttle back to the starting point to
pick up vehicles, please do so now while the rest of the group visits
the remaining museums in this area. Please remember that two adults
must remain with the group.
Follow the sidewalk to the east (away from the river) to the Old
Arsenal Museum.
From the base of the front steps, your next destination is the Old
Arsenal Museum, at a bearing of 50°.
In front of the Old Arsenal is a replica of the Liberty Bell, which
was given to the state in 1950 as part of a drive to promote Savings
Bonds. The replica is correct except that the famous "crack" is
painted on. The Old Arsenal is one of the oldest buildings in Baton
Rouge, having been erected in 1835. The walls of the buildings are 54
inches thich and the roof is 4 feet thick! The arsenal was captured in
1861 by the Confederates and later recaptured by the U.S. gunboat
Iroquois. The arsenal was giving to Louisiana State University, which
occupied the capitol grounds before the turn of the century. LSU used
the building for various purposes (including a barn). In 1962, the
building was opened as a museum, displaying many artifacts
representing "Louisiana under seven flags". Visit the Old Arsenal now.
After visiting the museum, climb the small hill next to it and visit
the American Revolutionary War cannons. The cannons overlook Capitol
Lake, which was once a part of the Mississippi River. The cannons
commemorate the defeat of the British in the First Battle of Baton
Rouge in 1779. The hill itself is an Indian burial mound (one of only
three remaining in the area; you saw the other two earlier). The mound
was used as a burial ground for about 30 U.S. Army officers as well.
You may choose to extend your visit to the Governor's Mansion. Simply
follow the signs on Capitol Avenue. The mansion was completed in 1962
by Jimmie Davis at a cost of almost $1,000,000. While the mansion is
thoroughly modern, it is designed after the great plantation homes of
Old Louisiana.
20. How many cannons are on the mound?
Hike south (away from the arsenal) on North 6th Street until you reach
Spanish Town Road. Turn left and proceed until you reach Bungalow
Lane. Turn right and proceed one block to North Street. Turn right on
North Street and walk to the Stewart-Dougherty House.
From the bell in front of the arsenal, find North 6th Street at a
bearing of 195°. Go south on this street until you reach Spanish
Town Road. Now follow a bearing of 80° until you reach Bungalow
Lane. Now follow a bearing of 180° until you reach North
Street. Turn right and walk to the Stewart-Dougherty House.
The Stewart-Dougherty House is an antebellum home built around
1840. During the Civil War, Federal forces used the home as a
hospital. Read the historical marker in front of the house.
21. Who built the Stewart-Dougherty House?
Proceed west on North Street (towards the river) until you reach the
Piño-Charlet House.
Proceed west to the Piño-Charlet House.
The Piño-Charlet House is one of the finest remaining homes built
according to the Spanish plan for the city which was set down in
1805. The house was built in 1823 by Antonio Piño.
22. Who was the Spanish commandant at Baton Rouge?
Continue west along North Street until you reach Seventh Street. Turn
left and proceed two blocks to Laurel Street, where you will reach the
Old Warden's House.
Continue along North Street (bearing of 270°) until you reach
Seventh Street. Now follow a bearing of 180° for two blocks to
Laurel Street, where you will reach the Old Warden's House.
The Old Warden's House was built during 1837-40 and served as both the
house for the warden's family and the receiving station for the state
penitentiary, which was then located across the street. Read the
historical marker in front of the building.
23. From what date to what date did the prison complex exist?
Turn left on Laurel Street and proceed east (away from the river) for
approximately one mile until you reach Nineteenth Street at the
entrance to Magnolia Cemetery.
Proceed on Laurel Street at a bearing of 90° for approximately one
mile until you reach Nineteenth Street at the entrance to Magnolia
Cemetery.
As you walk, notice Junior High School on your right (after you pass
underneath Interstate-110). It was built between 1922-23 and is now
used by State agencies. Read any historical markers on your way to
Magnolia Cemetery.
Magnolia Cemetery was the site of heavy fighting during the Civil
War. You may visit the cemetery, but please show due respect. Read the
historical marker outside the cemetery.
24. Which Louisiana novelist is buried here?
From Laurel Street, turn right on Nineteenth Street and proceed to
Florida Boulevard and cross.
Proceed on Nineteenth Street (bearing of 180°) to Florida
Boulevard and cross.
The Baton Rouge National Cemetery is on the corner. Troy H. Middleton
is buried here, after whom the LSU Middleton Library is named. A large
monument from the State of Massachussetts can be found near the
entrance. Again, you may visit the cemetery, but please show due
respect.
25. Which general is buried here, remembered for his attack on the
Spanish fort at Baton Rouge in 1810?
Continue along Nineteenth Street for several more blocks until you
cross Government Street. Nineteenth Street now turns into Park
Boulevard. Continue on Park Boulevard until you reach City Park.
Continue along Nineteenth Street (bearing of 180°) until you cross
Government Street. Nineteenth Street now turns into Park
Boulevard. Continue on Park Boulevard until you reach City Park.
Park Boulevard was the center of suburban Baton Rouge for many
years. City Park features many recreational facilities, including
tennis courts, an art gallery, a playground, and a golf course. On the
right side of Park Boulevard is the figurehead from the battleship
Louisiana. Read the plaques on this monument.
26. When was the figurehead erected?
Park Boulevard now turns into Dalrymple Drive. Use the bike path on
the east side of the street and continue along Dalrymple, past City
Park Lake and University Lake, until you reach a sign for the LSU
System Building and the Alumni Center (right before University High
School).
Park Boulevard now turns into Dalrymple Drive. Use the bike path on
the east side of Dalrymple and continue southward, past City Park Lake
and University Lake, until you reach a sign for the LSU System
Building and the Alumni Center (right before University High School).
You are now back on the LSU campus. This end of the campus houses
various churches, fraternities, sororities, and other
organizations. The university administration is also housed in this
area.
Turn left here and follow West Lakeshore Drive around the lake and
past the houses until you reach a bridge (at the edge of the
lake). Turn left after the bridge to reach South Campus Drive. Turn
right and walk to the Parker Agricultural Center.
Follow West Lakeshore Drive in a southeastern direction around the
lake until you reach a little bridge (at the edge of the lake). You
can now walk back to the Parker Agricultural Center, at a bearing of
230°.
Answer Sheet
Date of Hike:
Time Started:
Time Ended:
Number of Adults:
Number of Youths:
Please write the answer to each trail question below:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
Please list all the museums you visited below:
Award Application
After completing the hike and answering the questions, your group may
order souvenir awards. Simply complete this form and mail it, along
with payment and the ANSWER SHEET, to the address at the bottom of
this page. Make checks payable to Louisiana Hiking Trails,
Incorporated. Please send us this form even if you are not purchasing
trail awards so that we have a record of the quantity of hikers who
use the Capitol Historical Trail each year.
Group:
Hike Leader:
Mailing Address:
Telephone:
I certify that all recipients of trail awards have completed the
Capitol Historical Trail on foot, read the plaques and other
historical information, answered the questions, and visited all open
and free museums.
Signature:
Date:
Quantity of Medals: ___ x $5.00 =
Patches: ___ x $3.00 =
Pins: ___ x $2.00 =
Total Enclosed:
Facilities Sheet
This information should help you plan your trip. Louisiana Hiking
Trails, Inc., does not guarantee the accuracy of this
information. Last update on 11 January 2000.
Trail Museums
Museum of Art
(225) 388-4003
Mo,We,Fr: 9-4; Sa: 10-12, 1-4; Su: 1-4
Cost: None
Museum of Natural Science
(225) 388-2855
Mo,We,Fr: 8-4; Sa: 9:30-1; Su: closed
Cost: None
Magnolia Mound Plantation
(225) 343-4955
Tu-Sa: 10-4; Su: 1-4
Adult: $5.00, Student $2.00,
Child: $1.00, Group rates available
U.S.S. Kidd Naval War Museum
(225) 342-1942
Daily: 9-5
Adult: $4, Child (under 12): $2.50
Group rate available
Louisiana Arts & Science Museum (LASM)
(225) 344-5272
Tu-Fr: 10-3; Sa: 10-4; Su: 1-4
Adult: $3.00, Child (2-12): $2.00
Old State Capitol
(225) 342-8211
Tu-Sa: 9-4:30; Su-Mo: closed
Cost: None
Old Governor's Mansion
(225) 344-9463
Mo-Fr: closed; Sa: 10-4; Su: 1-4
Adult: $1.50, Child (6-12): $0.75
Saturday from 10-12: No charge
LASM Planetarium
(225) 768-9948
Old Bogan Central Fire Station
(225) 344-8558
Mo-Fr: 9-4; Sa-Su: closed
Cost: None
Pentagon Barracks Visitor Center
(225) 342-1866
Tu-Sa: 10-4; Su: 1-4; Mo: closed
Cost: None
Louisiana State Capitol
(225) 342-7317
Daily: 8-4
Cost: None
Creole State Museum
(225) 387-0419
Mo-Fr: 8-4:30; Sa-Su: closed
Cost: None
Old Arsenal Museum
Other Museums
LSU Rural Life Museum
(225) 765-2437
Mo-Fr: 8-5; Sa-Su: closed
Adult: $5, Child (under 12): $3
Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center
(225) 757-8905
Tu-Sa: 9-5; Su: 12-5; Mo: closed
Adult: $3, Child: $2.00, Student: $1.50
Parks & Recreation
Greater Baton Rouge Zoo
(225) 775-3877
Mo-Fr: 10-5; Sa-Su: 10-6, Free We: 3-5
Adult: $3.00, Child: $1.00
Cohn Arboretum
(225) 775-1006
Campgrounds
Police Youth Camp
(225) 389-3870
Farr Park
(225) 769-7805 or 766-9220
Greenwood Park
(225) 778-4044
Optimist Youth Camp
(225) 275-6979
Parking & Transportation
LSU Visitor Registration & Information
(225) 388-5030
Mo-Fr: 8-12, 12:30-4:30; Sa-Su: closed
Capitol Transportation Corporation
(225) 336-0821
Other
LSU Box Office
(225) 388-5128
Louisiana Office of Tourism
(225) 342-8119
BR Tourist and Convention Center
(225) 383-1825
Downtown Development District
(225) 389-5520
Louisiana Hiking Trails, Inc.