Louisiana State Capitol

Baton Rouge
 
     
 
 
 
Completed: 1932
Architect: Weiss, Dreyfous and Seiferth
 Photos: Robert Deering 4/21/2015
As the tallest state capitol in the United States, the building is 450 feet high with 34 floors. The architects used symbolism throughout the design of the building. As the square tower rises, it is cut away to an octagon at the 22nd floor. At this point four allegorical winged figures guard the corners and they represent Law, Science, Philosophy and Art. Louisiana's state symbol, the pelican, decorates the side of the steps and is used extensively elsewhere in the building.

Monumental statues flank the stairs. To the east is The Patriots - an armored soldier and the mourners of a warrior slain in battle. To the west is The Pioneers - men and women of courage who created our state out of the wilderness. The carved frieze around the base of the building illustrates Louisiana's struggles and its admission to the Union, the state of war, the Louisiana justice system, and the peaceful development of natural resources. Portraits of great men in Louisiana history also are found on the House and Senate chambers' exterior.
ADMITTED TO THE UNION: 1812

ORIGIN OF STATE NAME: Named in honor of France's King Louis XIV

COUNTIES (Parishes): 64

STATE MOTTO: Union, justice, and confidence

1921 PREAMBLE: We, the people of the State of Louisiana, grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberties we enjoy.

LOCATION:  300 State Capitol Drive, Baton Rouge, LA
       
           
 
 

Robert Deering
With The Louisiana State Capitol
Photo: Ferdie Deering 1960
 
Baton Rouge from the top of the Louisiana State Capitol

 Old Capitol Building

Baton Rouge
 
     
 
   
Completed: 1850
Architect: James H. Dakin & William A. Freret
Photos: Robert Deering 4/21/2015

Louisiana's Old State Capitol is a building in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, United States that housed the Louisiana State Legislature from the mid-19th century until the current capitol tower building was completed in 1932.

It is built both to look like and function like a castle and has led some locals to call it the Louisiana Castle, the Castle of Baton Rouge, the Castle on the River, though most people just call it the old capitol building. When someone says "Old State Capitol" in Louisiana they are probably talking about this building and not the two towns that were formerly the capital city: New Orleans and Donaldsonville.

Restored in the 1990s, the Old State Capitol is now the Museum of Political History.
LOCATION:  100 North Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA 70801
         
           
         
         
 
Mississippi River