Baton Rouge

Baton Rouge was officially incorporated as a city on January 21, 1817. This marked a significant moment in the development of Baton Rouge as an important settlement in Louisiana. Prior to its incorporation, Baton Rouge had been a significant military post and trading center. Incorporation allowed it to develop its municipal government and infrastructure, setting the stage for future growth and development.

During the American Civil War, Baton Rouge was captured by Union forces on May 28, 1862. This was a part of the Union's efforts to gain control over the Mississippi River, which was a crucial strategic objective. Union occupation meant that Baton Rouge was used as a military base and stronghold to control movements along the river and cut off supplies to the Confederates.

The ExxonMobil Refinery in Baton Rouge, one of the largest refineries in the world, was established on March 30, 1953. It played a significant role in the economic growth of Baton Rouge, providing numerous jobs and contributing to the city’s development as a major industrial hub. The refinery has continued to be a key player in global energy markets and local economy.

On March 5, 1965, Baton Rouge was forced to desegregate its schools following the U.S. Supreme Court's historic ruling in Brown v. Board of Education. This decision mandated the end of racial segregation in public schools and had a profound impact on education and civil rights in Baton Rouge. The integration process was met with resistance, but it marked a crucial step toward equality and justice for African Americans in the city.

Dorothy Mae Taylor, a prominent civil rights activist in Baton Rouge, was assassinated on August 10, 1967. Her death shocked the Baton Rouge community and highlighted the intense racial tensions in the area during the civil rights era. Taylor was known for her tireless advocacy for African American rights, including education and voting rights, and her work left a lasting legacy in Baton Rouge.

The Shaw Group, an engineering and construction company, was founded in Baton Rouge on October 17, 1988. The company grew rapidly and became a major player in the engineering and construction industry, contributing significantly to the local economy. It provided jobs and employment opportunities in Baton Rouge and around the world, until its acquisition by Chicago Bridge & Iron Company in 2013.

Hurricane Katrina made landfall on August 29, 2005. Although Baton Rouge was not directly hit, the city played a crucial role in the disaster response and recovery efforts. Baton Rouge served as a major hub for evacuees from New Orleans and surroundings. The influx of displaced people put a strain on the city’s resources but also led to a temporary economic boost and increased attention on disaster preparedness.

On July 5, 2016, Alton Sterling, a black man, was shot and killed by police officers in Baton Rouge. The incident, captured on video, sparked widespread protests and a national debate on police use of force, racial profiling, and systemic racism. The shooting led to heightened tensions between the community and law enforcement in Baton Rouge and became a significant part of the Black Lives Matter movement.

In August 2016, Baton Rouge experienced catastrophic flooding. Between August 12 and August 15, torrential rains led to widespread flooding, causing significant damage to homes and infrastructure. Thousands of people were displaced, and damages were estimated to exceed several billion dollars. The floods were declared a federal disaster and brought attention to issues of climate resilience and flood management.

On January 18, 2019, a fire broke out at the Louisiana Governor's Mansion in Baton Rouge. Fortunately, the fire was quickly contained, and there were no injuries or major structural damages. However, the incident drew significant attention as the Governor's Mansion is an important historical and political landmark in Baton Rouge, leading to increased awareness and measures for fire safety in government buildings.