HistoryBaton Rouge, the capital of Louisiana, was established as the state capital in 1849. The city's name, meaning "red stick" in French, originates from a red cypress pole used by Native Americans to mark the boundary between tribal hunting grounds. During the Civil War, Baton Rouge played a significant role as a strategic military post, with the Union occupying the city for much of the war. Today, Baton Rouge is the political and cultural hub of Louisiana.