Louisiana's Old State Capitol has a long and winding history that is nothing short of dramatic. The fortress-like structure stood strong and impressive until it was gutted by fire in the Civil War. After recovering and returning to its original purpose, the building fell into disrepair in the early 1930s following the installation of a newer, less-storied building as the state's capitol. A concerned group of citizens worked hard to rebuild it and the old capitol now houses a wide variety of interactive exhibits that tell the state's sometimes controversial but never uninteresting story. The Old State Capitol is a must-see attraction for history buffs visiting Baton Rouge.
The USS Kidd and Veteran's Memorial is a standing tribute to the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice during two eras of our nation's military conflicts. See the actual aircraft that soared through the skies of Southeast Asia as well as actual items used during the attack on the beaches of Normandy. The names of the fallen Americans are etched on to a granite wall, and they will forever be remembered as our heroes who tirelessly fought and never gave up. This "Pirate of the Pacific" is located in downtown Baton Rouge, and is a constant reminder of the outstanding bravery of our unparalleled service men and women.