Baton Rouge in East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana — The American South (West South Central)

Old State Capitol

Photographed by Cajun Scrambler, June 19, 2021

1. Old State Capitol Marker

Inscription.
The Baton Rouge Bus Boycott launched on June 13, 1953. It was a historic move by black residents who were seeking fair treatment from the local bus company. They comprised 80% of the city bus ridership but were forced to stand in the back of the bus even when there were available seats in the white-only section. The Old State Capitol was a major site in the boycott as riders gathered here under oak trees to find free transportation to work. About 125 private cars were used to transport people while the boycott was in force, with gasoline being provided at cost by a black-owned Esso station. The boycott ended June 23 and it nearly devastated the city's bus system. It also had greater impact on the broader Civil Rights Movement. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was inspired by the free car ride system pioneered in Baton Rouge and used it as a model for the 1955 Montgomery bus boycott.

Erected 2021 by Louisiana Civil Rights Trail/State of Louisiana.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Civil Rights. A significant historical date for this entry is June 13, 1953.

Location. 30° 26.82′ N, 91° 11.325′ W. Marker is in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in East Baton Rouge Parish. It is on North Boulevard east of Lafayette Street, on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Baton Rouge LA 70802, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Louisiana’s Florida Parishes.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Deep South,

and in the Great River Road Region.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

the Louisiana Purchase,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers.

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At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Merci Train (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named Merci Train (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Old State Capitol (within shouting distance of this marker); Battle of Baton Rouge (within shouting distance of this marker); Site of Early Gunsmith Shop (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Old State Capitol (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Old State Capitol (within shouting distance of this marker); Louisiana's Old State Capitol (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Baton Rouge.

Other markers no longer nearby. Baton Rouge Confederate Monument (was a few steps from this marker but has been permanently removed); a different marker also named Old State Capitol (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been confirmed missing).

More about this marker. Located on the north eastern most grounds of the Louisiana Old State Capitol building.

Photographed by Cajun Scrambler, June 19, 2021

2. Old State Capitol Marker

Photographed by Cajun Scrambler, June 19, 2021

3. Old State Capitol Marker

Rear of Marker

Photographed by Cajun Scrambler, June 19, 2021

4. Old State Capitol Marker

Closeup of QR scan/website information

Photographed by Cajun Scrambler, June 19, 2021

5. Old State Capitol Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on June 19, 2021. It was originally submitted on June 19, 2021, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana. This page has been viewed 651 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on June 19, 2021, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana.