Baton Rouge

Baton Rouge (pop. 245,800), capital of Louisiana, situated on the Mississippi River. A deepwater port and regional trade center, the city also has major oil refineries and petrochemical and aluminum factories. Founded by the French in 1719, Baton Rouge was later transferred to the British and was occupied by the Spanish from 1779. U.S.-born citizens rebelled against Spanish rule and established their independence at the battle of Baton Rouge on Sept. 23, 1810. Acquired by the United States in 1815, the city was incorporated in 1817 and became the state capital in 1849. Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College and Southern University are both located there.

See also: Louisiana.