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Baton Rouge Travel Articles
- Culture and Heritage
- History and Politics
- Words and Sayings of Baton Rouge
Named by French explorer Iberville 300 years ago for the "red stick" along a Mississippi River bluff, Baton Rouge has been shaped by a variety of cultural and environmental influences.
Our cuisine is a blend of Creole and Cajun, topped with Italian, German, Spanish, Caribbean and Greek flavorings.
Our architecture reflects African American and Caribbean influences, with large balconies and many doors.
Our language also reflects our international heritage. While visiting Baton Rouge, you will hear locals revert to versions of French in everyday conversation. Cher, a term of endearment, is not exclusive to the French or Cajuns in the area. Many of us will have an "envie," a longing for something, usually food. And of course, there are beignets, cafe au lait, and etouffe. Fais do do, literally meaning, "put to sleep," means a party.
Today Baton Rouge's rich cultural tradition can be seen in our unique attractions, heard in our Zydeco, Blues and Cajun music, and tasted in our blend of Creole, African-American, French and Spanish cuisine. Baton Rouge is truly the center of Louisiana's cultural excitement with a lot of reasons to stick around!
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