The Blog

The Old State Capitol is one of the staple landmarks people think of when Baton Rouge crosses their mind. Whether it be those extraordinary stained glass windows, the grand staircase or even the unexplainable feeling one gets when they are touring the building- the OSC is special for everyone.

In order to try and capture some of the grandeur and beauty of this downtown favorite, the OSC administration decided to make a drone video series to showcase the beauty of this beloved building. This video will also go along with the K-12 program which explains the importance of the OSC to the state of Louisiana.

Dr. Tammy Seneca, West Baton Rouge School Supervisor of Information Systems and Educational Technology and videographer of the series, used a drone to capture all of the OSC from the favorites everyone knows of to even the littlest details most people overlook.Click here to see the videos she has taken by checking out her YouTube channel.

The OSC is rich in its history since 1847 when it first began construction after naming Baton Rouge the new capital of Louisiana. Baton Rouge donated land facing the Mississippi River to the state and the architect James H. Dakin was hired.

Dakin did not want to duplicate what was already in Washington D.C. so he focused on a more Gothic Revival inspiration for the building. Some neo-Gothic characteristics are pointed arches, steeply pitched roofs and castle-like towers. Many people refer to the OSC as the “Louisiana Castle” since it looks so similar to one.

During the Civil War the Union occupied the Capitol building and was used a garrison. While under use, it caught fire twice which led to a need for renovation.

William A. Freret remodeled the Capitol building in 1882 and added in the famous staircase and stained glass dome. This building was in use as the legislative hub of Louisiana until 1932 when the new Louisiana State Capitol was finished. Now, the building functions as a museum.