Baton Rouge in East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana — The American South (West South Central)
The Founding Of Baton Rouge
Photographed by Cajun Scrambler, November 26, 2010
1. Founding Of Baton Rouge Marker
Earliest written records about Baton Rouge were provided by members of Iberville's expedition on March 17, 1699:
"From there (Bayou Manchac) we ascended five leagues farther, where we found very high banks, which in that country were called bluffs, and in the Indian tongue Istrouma which means Baton Rouge, because there is at this place a pole painted red, which the Indians had erected to mark the dividing line of the lands of the two nations, to wit: that of the Bayougoulas whence we had come, from another 30 leagues above Baton Rouge called the Oumas (Houmas)."
This red stick was erected on May 13, 1967, during the 150th anniversary of the incorporation of the City of Baton Rouge.
Erected 1967 by City of Baton Rouge.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Exploration • Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical month for this entry is March 1985.
Location. 30° 26.805′ N, 91° 11.356′ W. Marker is in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in East Baton Rouge Parish. It can be reached from the intersection of North Boulevard and Layfayette Street, on the
this page online
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. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Old State Capitol (within shouting distance of 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); a different marker also named Old State Capitol (within shouting distance of this marker); Merci Train (within shouting distance of this marker); Slim Harpo (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. Old State Capitol (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been confirmed missing); Baton Rouge Confederate Monument (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed).
Also see . . . The Founding of the Red Stick - How Baton Rouge Got its name. The Red Stick Sculpture (Submitted on September 24, 2020.)
Photographed by Cajun Scrambler, August 5, 2016
2. The Founding Of Baton Rouge Marker
Located under cypress tree on old State Capitol building grounds.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 11, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 9, 2015. This page has been viewed 1,973 times since then and 92 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on July 9, 2015. 2. submitted on August 6, 2016. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
