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
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. Marker is on North Boulevard east of Lafayette Street, on the left when traveling east
this page online
Other nearby markers. 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.
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 205 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on June 19, 2021, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana.
