Economy and Growth From its origin as the site of an Indian village, through many years as a sleepy river town, to its emergence as a major educational, governmental, and industrial center of the south, Baton Rouge has been a city of change and diversity. Baton Rouge was incorporated in 1817 and became the capital of the state in 1882. Today, with the City of Baton Rouge the dominant center of business, culture, education, and finance, the Parish of East Baton Rouge looks forward to even greater prosperity. Baton Rouge is the parish seat of government , the key industrial city in the area, and the center of an immense chemical and petroleum complex on the Mississippi River. The metropolitan area is the second largest in the state.
Rail service is provided by five railroads.
The expanding Port of Greater Baton Rouge ranks fourth among the major ports of the nation and second in Louisiana. Projected population figures show that this progressive city will have a phenomenal growth in future decades. We can only guess what Baton Rouge will be like tomorrow, but from all accounts, it seems certain that the future will be filled with bright promise and a continued dedication to growth and progress. Climate and Location Baton Rouge has a subtropical climate free of extreme temperatures. Winters are mild with only occasional cold spells.