East Baton Rouge Parish

East Baton Rouge Parish
source
Name	East Baton Rouge Parish
Settlement type	Parish
Seat	Baton Rouge
Largest city	Baton Rouge
Area total sq mi	471
Area land sq mi	455
Area water sq mi	16
Population as of	2020
Population total	456781
Population density sq mi	1004

East Baton Rouge Parish is a parish located in the southern United States, specifically in the state of Louisiana, and is home to the city of Baton Rouge, which is also the state capital. The parish is situated near the Mississippi River and is adjacent to West Baton Rouge Parish, Iberville Parish, Ascension Parish, Livingston Parish, St. Helena Parish, and East Feliciana Parish. The parish is also close to Louisiana State University, Southern University and A&M College, and Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center. The parish has a diverse economy, with major industries including ExxonMobil, Dow Chemical Company, and Albemarle Corporation.

Geography

The geography of the parish is characterized by its location in the Mississippi River Delta region, with the Mississippi River forming the western boundary of the parish. The parish is also home to several lakes, including Lake Pontchartrain and False River Lake, and is near the Atchafalaya Basin. The parish has a total area of 471 square miles, with 455 square miles of land and 16 square miles of water. The parish is also home to several parks, including Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center, Baton Rouge Zoo, and Independence Park. The parish is located near several major highways, including Interstate 10, Interstate 12, and U.S. Route 61, and is also served by the Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport.

History

The history of the parish dates back to the 18th century, when the area was first settled by French colonists. The parish was established in 1810 and was named after the French phrase "baton rouge," which means "red stick." The parish played a significant role in the American Civil War, with several battles taking place in the area, including the Battle of Baton Rouge and the Battle of Port Hudson. The parish is also home to several historic sites, including the Louisiana State Capitol building, the Old Louisiana State Capitol building, and the Magnolia Mound Plantation House. The parish has a rich cultural heritage, with influences from France, Spain, Africa, and Native American tribes, including the Houma people and the Tunica-Biloxi Indian Tribe.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States Census, the parish has a population of 456,781 people, with a population density of 1,004 people per square mile. The parish has a diverse population, with a mix of African American, White American, Asian American, and Hispanic and Latino American residents. The parish is also home to several major institutions, including Louisiana State University, Southern University and A&M College, and Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center. The parish has a high percentage of residents with a Bachelor's degree or higher, with several major employers, including ExxonMobil, Dow Chemical Company, and Albemarle Corporation. The parish is also home to several major events, including the Baton Rouge Blues Festival, the Baton Rouge Jazz Festival, and the Louisiana International Film Festival.

Government

The government of the parish is led by the East Baton Rouge Parish Metropolitan Council, which is composed of Metro Council members elected by the residents of the parish. The parish is also served by the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Office, which is responsible for law enforcement in the parish. The parish is located in the 6th congressional district of Louisiana and is represented in the United States House of Representatives by Garret Graves. The parish is also represented in the Louisiana State Senate by Bodi White and in the Louisiana House of Representatives by Barbara Carpenter and C. Denise Marcelle.

Economy

The economy of the parish is diverse, with major industries including petrochemicals, healthcare, and education. The parish is home to several major employers, including ExxonMobil, Dow Chemical Company, and Albemarle Corporation. The parish is also a major hub for transportation, with several major highways, including Interstate 10, Interstate 12, and U.S. Route 61, and is also served by the Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport. The parish is also home to several major shopping centers, including the Mall of Louisiana and the Cortana Mall. The parish has a strong tourism industry, with several major attractions, including the Louisiana State Capitol building, the Baton Rouge Zoo, and the Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center.

Education

The education system in the parish is served by the East Baton Rouge Parish School System, which operates several public schools, including Baton Rouge Magnet High School, Liberty Magnet High School, and Woodlawn High School. The parish is also home to several major institutions of higher education, including Louisiana State University, Southern University and A&M College, and Our Lady of the Lake College. The parish has a high percentage of residents with a Bachelor's degree or higher, with several major employers, including ExxonMobil, Dow Chemical Company, and Albemarle Corporation. The parish is also home to several major libraries, including the East Baton Rouge Parish Library and the Louisiana State University Libraries. The parish has a strong vocational education system, with several major programs, including the Baton Rouge Community College and the Louisiana Technical College.

Category:Parishes in Louisiana