Baton Rouge, a name that reputedly refers to the red totem that once marked the boundary between two Louisiana tribes, owes more to the French than its unusual name. It was the French who explored, settled and developed the region during its formative years.

In the middle of the eighteenth century Acadian exiles from Nova Scotia began arriving in Louisiana, joining other French-speaking settlers. The "Cajuns" found themselves welcome here and made their homes along the rivers and bayous of the state. The colorful culture and influence of Evangeline and her people are still felt strongly in Louisiana.

The gracious life of the Mississippi River plantation surrounds this city where all corners of Louisiana come together in one rich, thick gumbo.

The river built our past and continues to shape our future, from the delta sugar cane fields to the rolling hills of the Felicianas.

Baton Rouge and the surrounding area are a diverse, multicultural community of some 500,000.

The city itself is the seat of Louisiana state government, a primary commercial river port, and home to Louisiana State University and Southern University.

The cultural life is as varied as it is vibrant. On the musical scene Baton Rouge boasts the highly acclaimed Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra and the Baton Rouge Opera. Theater goers can choose from productions by Swine Palace, Cabaret Theater, the Baton Rouge or Baker Little Theaters or major traveling shows at the Centroplex Theater of Performing Arts and LSU Union. Playmakers offers a child's introduction to theater where young patrons can delight in children's productions in a relaxed, informal atmosphere.

Long known as a sports haven, Baton Rouge prides itself on the wealth of major collegiate football, basketball, baseball and tennis, professional ice hockey and boxing. BREC (Parks and Recreation Department) maintains a number of outstanding golf, tennis, soccer and boating facilities with programs for children or the weekend athlete.

As in all south Louisiana, fine food is a tradition...in settings from the down home familiarity of George's and Hymel's to the elegance and graciousness of Maison Lacour and Chalet Brandt. And the rich offerings of the Big Easy are a short, 90 minute drive away.