Exploring Baton Rouge: A Step Back in Time at the Old State Capitol

Exploring Baton Rouge: A Step Back in Time at the Old State Capitol

Our recent quick getaway brought us to Baton Rouge, a city I hold close to my heart. Though I’ve lived in seven different states, Louisiana is my birthplace, and returning always feels like a warm, familiar embrace. Baton Rouge isn’t just the state’s seat of government or the home of the LSU Tigers; it’s a city brimming with culture, sports, and rich history.

And speaking of 🐯 LSU—GEAUX TIGERS!🐯 We just happened to arrive days after the LSU men’s baseball team clinched its 8th College World Series Championship in 2025. The buzz around town was electric!

But that wasn’t the only reason we were in Baton Rouge.

🚂 Why Baton Rouge? A Railroad Convention with a Side of History

The real catalyst for our visit was the Blues Express LSR Convention 2025, Lone Star Region Convention of the National Model Railroad Association (NMRA). My husband, Urs, a passionate HO-scale model railroader, had been looking forward to the event for months. The convention featured lectures, hands-on clinics, and great conversation with fellow model train enthusiasts. The atmosphere was full of creativity and shared inspiration—every hobbyist left with new ideas for their layouts.

But between events, Urs—my Adventurous Explorer —suggested we carve out time to visit the Old State Capitol. As a Louisiana native who hadn’t stepped foot in either the old or new Capitol buildings since my school field trips, I was curious to see it again through adult eyes. And with Urs being Swiss-born, I was excited to show him this impressive symbol of Louisiana’s history.

🏰 The Old State Capitol: Louisiana’s Gothic Treasure

The Old State Capitol is a striking structure that looks more like a medieval castle than a government building. With its towers, turrets, and stained-glass dome, it feels like something out of a storybook—but its real stories are rooted in some of the most dramatic moments in Louisiana’s political past.

A Bit of History

• Construction began in 1847, and by 1850, the Louisiana legislature met here for the first time under Governor Isaac Johnson.
• In 1861, this very building was the site of Louisiana’s vote to secede from the United States, joining the Confederacy.
• During the Civil War, Union troops occupied the building. It served as a command post, prison, and garrison.
• In 1932, Louisiana’s new (and current) state capitol was completed, and the Old Capitol was eventually preserved as a museum.

Over the decades, it has witnessed everything from fistfights on the floor to fiery debates, and even survived multiple fires. Of course, it’s impossible to talk about Louisiana politics without mentioning Huey P. Long, the charismatic—and controversial—governor who left an indelible mark on the state before his assassination in 1935.

🏛️ What You’ll Discover Inside

Stepping into the Old State Capitol is like walking through a time machine. Here are just a few highlights from our visit:

🔹 The Spiral Staircase & Stained-Glass Dome

An absolute showstopper. Installed in 1882 by architect William A. Freret, the cast-iron spiral staircase spirals dramatically beneath a breathtaking stained-glass dome that bathes the rotunda in soft, colorful light.

🔹 Carved Wood, Polished Floors & Golden Chandeliers

The interiors are just as stunning as the exterior—polished wooden floors, gold-accented fixtures, and elaborate carvings that speak to the building’s grandeur and craftsmanship.

🔹 Exhibits & Artifacts

From historic photographs and original documents to architectural drawings and political memorabilia, the museum houses a robust collection that brings Louisiana’s history to life.

🔹 Gallery of Governors

The walls encircling the second-floor rotunda showcase the portraits of every Louisiana governor, from William C. C. Claiborne (1817) to current Governor Jeff Landry (2023). It’s a fascinating visual record of the state’s leadership through the years.

👀 Don’t Miss the View—and the Free Admission!

The views from the upper rooms offer a unique perspective of the mighty Mississippi River, winding just beyond the Capitol grounds. And here’s a bonus for any budget-conscious traveler: admission is completely free. Donations are welcome via a discreet drop box at the door.

Looking to one side of the staircase on the second floor, you’re met with the dignified presence of the House chambers, a space rich with history and quiet authority. As you step toward the front of the room, your eyes are naturally drawn forward—through the beautifully carved wooden doors that stand like sentinels of time. Through them, you catch a breathtaking view of the Senate room beyond. The warm glow of polished wood, the elegance of historic design, and the echo of countless debates seem to hang in the air, creating a moment where past and present meet in one sweeping, majestic glance.

💬 Final Reflections

Visiting the Old State Capitol felt like reconnecting with a long-lost part of my Louisiana roots. For Urs, it was an eye-opening glimpse into the passionate, chaotic, and complex story of this state’s politics and people.

Whether you’re a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or just passing through Baton Rouge for a weekend, the Old State Capitol is worth a stop. It’s more than just a museum—it’s a living monument to Louisiana’s resilience, identity, and story.

Don’t miss my articles as we extend the Old State Capital visit, experience the Merci Train exhibit and celebration, and explore the Bayou Plaquemine Locks.

A Taste of Gratitude: Honoring the Merci Train in Cajun Country

Bayou Plaquemine: Locks, Family Ties & A Journey Through Time

🖊️ We’d love to hear from you!
Your thoughts, comments, and insights on this post—or any of our articles—are always warmly welcome. Thanks so much for stopping by Take Another Route. We’re glad you’re here, and we hope you’ll join the conversation!

📍 Plan Your Visit

📌 Location:
Louisiana’s Old State Capitol, 100 North Boulevard, Baton Rouge, LA 70801

🕒 Hours: Tuesday–Saturday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Closed Sunday & Monday

💵 Admission:
FREE (Donations welcome)

🌐 More Info:
Visit the official website