Louisiana’s Old State Capitol: Building once used by lawmakers now shows exhibits, offers tours

Allison Bruhl
·3 min read

BATON ROUGE, La. (BRPROUD) — Louisiana’s Old State Capitol went through many phases in its over 150-year history, surviving major renovations, fires and natural disasters.

The National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form for the building describes its architecture as “one of the finest examples of Gothic Revival” in the United States. The style was described by architect James Harrison Dakin as “Castellated Gothic,” an eight-tower building with a cruciform plan comparable to a Gothic cathedral.

The Old State Capitol, constructed from 1847-49, sits near the Mississippi River on North Boulevard in downtown Baton Rouge. The city, according to the nomination form, “fit the requirement” to become the location of the state’s capital.

The property’s site was chosen by a three-man commission appointed by the governor. The city donated to the state a parcel of land valued at $20,000, documents said.

“Some believe this plot of land is the bluff that marked the site of the red pole (“le baton rouge”) noted by French explorers as an Indian boundary marker or as designating a council meeting site,” according to the nomination form.

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Lawmakers met for the first time in the new building on Jan. 21, 1850.

Historic documents about the building noted four major renovations made in the 20th century.

The first major fire reported was in 1862. Historic documents said a cooking fire destroyed the building, leading to its abandonment as the seat of government returned to New Orleans. Baton Rouge became the capitol again in 1882,, and $141,000 was appropriated for restoration, the nomination form said.

During repairs, New Orleans architect William A. Freret added a spiral staircase and glass dome.

Records show years later, in 1928, then Gov. Huey P. Long convinced lawmakers that a new Capitol building was needed. The building was abandoned again for the new one in 1932.

Documents said the Works Progress Administration moved in and $50,000 was spent on repairs. A small fire believed to be caused by a gas heater broke out, causing $700 in damages.

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The property’s grounds also received an update in 1938, with 8,000 plants from Avery Island. That same year, the purpose of the Old State Capitol changed, as an act created the Louisiana Art Commission, and plans were made to add a museum.

In 1947, lawmakers passed legislation to create the Old State Capitol Memorial Commission, which would be in charge of the property and another piece of legislation from the same year designated the building as a memorial to veterans killed in World War II.

Safety issues were discovered in 1953 by the fire marshal, who threatened to close the building, saying new equipment was needed, fire escape routes were lacking and insufficient wiring posed a danger, documents said. The Old State Capitol wouldn’t get funding for upgrades until 1956.

The building was almost home to the Louisiana Hall of Fame. Documents said the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution tried to get it placed in the Old State Capitol in 1957 but were unsuccessful.

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Today, the building is primarily a museum showcasing exhibits about Louisiana’s political and cultural history. Guided tours are offered on weekdays.

The Old State Capitol accepts bookings for events such as weddings, galas, meetings and corporate luncheons, according to its website.

Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday to Friday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.

Louisiana’s Old State Capitol is at 100 North Blvd., Baton Rouge.

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