Manuscript Resources on Baton Rouge History
Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was first discovered and named by the French explorer Iberville in 1699, almost three centuries ago. In the eighteenth century, it was ruled successively by the French, British, and Spanish. Incorporated in 1817, Baton Rouge became the state capital in 1849, though it lost that status during the Civil War and would not regain it until 1882.
This guide to manuscript resources on Baton Rouge and East Baton Rouge Parish, of which it is a part, includes a wide variety of materials on the history of the area, among them the papers of Baton Rouge families; the records of businesses and organizations; photographs; newspapers; maps; and oral histories. Although Louisiana State University has been a major part of Baton Rouge for many years, collections relating to LSU are included only if they also relate explicitly to Baton Rouge--for example, the papers of an LSU professor who was also active in community organizations and whose papers documented those organizations. Similarly, the papers of individuals in state government are not included unless they also relate explicitly to Baton Rouge.
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Bagwell, Harrison G., 1914-1973. Papers, 1916, 1947-1969, undated. 4 linear ft. Location: 6:33-36, OS:B, 98:. Attorney of Baton Rouge and state Republican Party leader. Correspondence and other papers pertain to the development of the Republican Party in Louisiana; the presidential campaigns of 1952, 1960, and 1964; and Harrison Bagwell's Louisiana gubernatorial campaign of 1951. For further information, see online catalog. Mss. 2840. Referenced in Guides: Politics, Baton Rouge
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Bain, Emily Johnston. Papers, 1757-2002, (bulk 1940-2000). 4.25 linear ft. Location: 106:5-6. Louisiana artist and educator who served as a Home Demonstration agent to the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service and as Louisiana State Supervisor of Art for the Department of Education in addition to her teaching career. Papers comprise materials related to her education and career as a teacher and artist in Louisiana and Texas. Records include Bain’s genealogical research, autobiographical and creative writing, photographs, slides, correspondence, printed materials, ephemera, and clippings. Mss. 5172. |
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Bankston, Jesse. Papers, 1924-2010 (bulk 1956-1992). 2.3 linear ft., 1 sound disc. Location: 116:24-25, OS:B, VAULT:1. Correspondence, political files, newspaper clippings, campaign material, and photographs reflecting Jesse H. Bankston's involvement in Louisiana state government and the Louisiana Democratic Party Bankston served under multiple Louisiana governors, including as director of the Department of Institutions, which supervised all mental, tuberculosis, and general hospitals. Mss. 5078. |
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Bannon, Lois Elmer. Research Papers, 1983 ca. .5 linear ft. (115 items). Location: U:154, Misc:B. Papers pertaining to the history, structure, and National Register nomination of Magnolia Mound Plantation and the history of the Louisiana State Penitentiary, both in Baton Rouge. For further information, see online catalog. Mss. 2810. Referenced in Guides: Plantations, Baton Rouge
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Barbari, Marjorie Washburn. Papers, 1926-2002 (bulk 1966-1996). 5.25 linear ft. Location: 38:76-81. Writer of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Papers consist mainly of personal correspondence, poems, and photographs. Other writings include manuscripts of aphorisms, reflections, short stories, novels, and a novelette. For further information, see online catalog. Mss. 3386. |
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Barnard, Mills H., 1837-1914. Letters, 1862-1912 (bulk 1862-1863). 9 items. Location: Misc:B. Sergeant in the 25th Connecticut Infantry during the Civil War. Letters include a description of Baton Rouge and the Union occupation of the city, references to the Battle of Port Hudson, and comments on Barnard's duties in the commissary, supplying troops engaged in the siege of Port Hudson. For further information, see online catalog. Mss. 3235. Referenced in Guides: Civil War, Baton Rouge
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Barrow & Pope (Firm). Records, 1858-1961. 1 vol. Location: M:19. Firm located in Baton Rouge, serving as attorneys for the Baton Rouge, Grosse Tete, and Opelousas Railroad Company. Letterbook contains correspondence related to legal cases handled by Barrow & Pope. Some correspondence concerns the Baton Rouge, Gross Tete, and Opelousas Railroad Company. For further information, see online catalog. Mss. 471. Referenced in Guides: Business, Baton Rouge
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Baton Rouge census document, 1782. 1 item [photocopy]. Location: Misc.:B. Census of the District of Baton Rouge lists names of heads of families, free African Americans, and slave population; their professions; number of dwellings; production of indigo, tobacco, rice, corn, and lumber; and the number of militiamen. In French. For further information, see online catalog. Mss. 2514. |
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Baton Rouge Land Survey Document, 1848. 1 item. Location: Misc:B. Land survey document dated April 11, 1848. Includes property drawing and description by prominent Baton Rouge surveyors and civil engineers Henry and William Waller. The survey was made at the request of the mayor of selectmen of Baton Rouge to assess the dimensions of a Mr. Vincent's house and gallery on the corner of North and River Streets. For further information see online catalog. Mss. 5016. |
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Baton Rouge view engraving, 1855. 1 printed item. Location: OS:B. Engraving from Ballou's Pictorial Drawing-Room Companion depicts Baton Rouge as seen from the west bank of the Mississippi River. The page also includes a brief description of the town. For further information, see online catalog. Mss. 3020. Referenced in Guides: Baton Rouge
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