Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA
1854 - Baton Rouge

Baton Rouge, a city, capital of the state of Louisiana, and seat of justice of the parish of East Baton Rouge, is situated on the left or E. bank of the Mississippi, 129 miles above New Orleans. It stands on the first bluff or high bank which occurs in ascending the river. This bank is elevated about 25 or 30 feet above the highest overflowings. Baton Rouge has the reputation of being one of the healthiest towns in the southern portion of the Mississippi valley. The esplanade in front of the town presents a delightful view of the majestic Mississippi and the rich tracts of cultivation which line its banks. Below Baton Rouge the broad and deep river sweeps through a plain which is occupied by luxuriant plantations of sugar-cane, and adorned by splendid villas and gardens and groves of tropical fruit trees. To protect these from inundation, a levee or embankment of earth has been raised to the height of 6 or 8 feet. The seat of government was established here in 1847. Since that period the business of the place has become more active, and the value of property has been greatly enhanced. It contains an elegant state house, situated immediately on the bank of the river, Baton Rouge College, 4 churches, an arsenal and barracks of the United Suites, 2 newspaper offices, and a penitentiary. Population, in 1853, about 4500.


A New and Complete Gazetteer of the United States: Giving a Full and Comprehensive Review of the Present Condition, Industry, and Resources of the American Confederacy ... Thomas Baldwin (of Philadelphia.) Joseph Thomas January 1, 1854 Philadelphia : Lippincott, Grambo & Company 1854.

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