Simmesport State Bank

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.