March 2000 Anyway, Baton Rouge became the capital in 1849 and the Old State Capitol is built like a gothic castle one sees all over Europe but never as a state capitol. After the Union Army burned the building, only the exterior stone walls were left standing. It was repaired in 1882 and served as the capitol until 1932. The striking architecture includes a colored glass Cathedral dome, a cast iron staircase, and tales of Huey P. Long the infamous Louisiana governor/senator. A Louisiana Purchase exhibit refreshed my memory on this piece of American history. (Continued below) |