Baton Rouge, Louisiana 2025

**General Information**

* **Population:** 227,818 (2020 estimate)

* **State:** Louisiana

* **County:** East Baton Rouge Parish

* **Nickname:** The Red Stick

**Culture**

* **Festivals and Events:** Baton Rouge hosts numerous festivals throughout the year, including the Baton Rouge Blues Festival, the Louisiana State Fair, and the Festival Acadiens et Créoles.

* **Arts and Culture:** The city is home to the Louisiana Art & Science Museum, the Shaw Center for the Arts, and the Old State Capitol Museum.

* **Music:** Baton Rouge has a vibrant music scene, known for its blues, jazz, and zydeco music.

**Special Events**

* **LSU Football Games:** The city is home to Louisiana State University (LSU), and LSU football games are a major attraction for locals and visitors alike.

* **Mardi Gras:** Baton Rouge celebrates Mardi Gras with parades, balls, and other festivities.

* **White Light Night:** An annual art and culture festival held in downtown Baton Rouge.

**Local Attractions**

* **Mississippi Riverfront:** The city's riverfront offers scenic views, parks, and walking trails.

* **LSU Rural Life Museum:** A museum showcasing the history of rural life in Louisiana.

* **USS Kidd Veterans Museum:** A museum dedicated to the history of the USS Kidd, a World War II destroyer.

**Food**

* **Cajun and Creole Cuisine:** Baton Rouge is known for its Cajun and Creole cuisine, featuring dishes such as gumbo, jambalaya, and etouffee.

* **Seafood:** The city's proximity to the Gulf of Mexico provides access to fresh seafood, including oysters, shrimp, and fish.

* **Local Restaurants:** Baton Rouge has a diverse culinary scene with restaurants offering everything from traditional Louisiana fare to international cuisine.

**People**

* **Diversity:** Baton Rouge is a diverse city with a mix of African Americans, whites, Hispanics, and Asians.

* **Education:** The city is home to LSU, Southern University, and Baton Rouge Community College.

* **Economy:** Baton Rouge's economy is driven by government, healthcare, and petrochemicals.

**History**

* **French Settlement:** Baton Rouge was founded in 1719 by French settlers as a trading post.

* **Spanish and American Rule:** The city was later controlled by Spain and then the United States.

* **Civil War:** Baton Rouge played a significant role in the American Civil War, with battles fought in and around the city.

* **20th Century:** The city grew rapidly in the 20th century, becoming a major industrial and cultural center.