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In 1699, French explorer Sieur d’Iberville was exploring the Mississippi River and saw a reddish cypress pole raised with bloody animals and fish that marked the boundaries between Houma and Bayou Goula tribal hunting grounds. The explorers called the the tree "le bâton rouge," or red stick. The native name for the site had been Istrouma.
The area was settled by the French and surrendered to Great Britain under the Treaty of Parish in 1763. The British then established Fort New Richmond in the area which is now downtown Baton Rouge. Then in 1779, the area was captured by Galvez. Under the rule of Spain, in 1807, East Baton Rouge Parish along with other surrounding parishes what is now referred to as the Florida Parishes, was still under the rule of Spain and not included in the boundaries of the Louisiana Purchase of 1803. In 1810, local settlers rebelled against Spain and formed the Republic of West Florida; the parishes were immediately taken over by Governor Claiborne for the United States, the land was annexed and divided. On December 10, 1810, East Baton Rouge Parish was established.
April 8, 1812 Louisiana was admitted in the union. Baton Rouge was incorporated in 1817 and became the State Capital in 1849. The location of the State Capital was relocated several times. Finally, in 1882 Baton Rouge was permanently named as the State Capital for Louisiana.
East Baton Rouge Parish is located in south central Louisiana along the Mississippi River. Located along the I-10 and I-12 corridors, revered for its rich culture and vibrant atmosphere, Baton Rouge, the State Capital, is the major city within East Baton Rouge Parish. Baton Rouge is home to Louisiana State University and A&M College and Southern University and A&M College; the place where Tigers and Jaguars roam and play.
Baton Rouge is a major industrial and petrochemical center. The Port of Baton Rouge is one of the top largest and busiest ports in the United States.
East Baton Rouge Parish is considered part of the metropolitan Baton Rouge area. Including Baton Rouge, there are four cities located within the parish; Baker, Central and Zachary. The parish is administered by a consolidated government. The City of Baton Rouge and Parish of East Baton Rouge government is led by the Mayor-President and a 12 member Metropolitan Council. Additionally, the cities of Baker, Zachary and Central have their own independent governing bodies.
East Baton Rouge Parish has approximately 150 schools comprised of four public school systems, parochial and private schools. Baton Rouge has two major universities, a community college, business colleges, technical schools, nursing schools, and state schools for visual and hearing impaired students.
Unique features of East Baton Rouge Parish include: the Louisiana State Capitol, the tallest capitol building in the United States. Two land grant institutions, Louisiana State University and A&M College and Southern University and A&M College are both situated in Baton Rouge.
Other attractions include: Louisiana Arts and Science Museum, the Louisiana State Capitol, the Old State Capitol, Baton Rouge Zoo, Rural Life Museum, Port Hudson National Cemetery, Pentagon Barracks, LSU Museum of Art, Southern University Museum of Art, and numerous other cultural and recreational activities.
The links below include information on cities and resources located within East Baton Rouge Parish.
Sources:
Wikipedia
Calhoun, Milburn and McGovern, Bernie. Louisiana almanac 2008 - 2009 edition. Gretna, LA: Pelican Publishing Company, Inc. 2007.
http://www.batonrougetoday.com/