History of Baton Rouge - Early 20th Century (1900-1953)

Early 20th Century (1900-1953)

The city constructed new waterworks, promoted widespread electrification of homes and businesses, and the passed several large bond issues for the construction of public buildings, new schools, paving of streets, drainage and sewer improvements, and the establishment of a scientific municipal public health department. The segregated facilities and residential areas for African Americans, ranging from schools to infrastructure, were underfunded and the population was historically underserved, although they received no relief from paying taxes. The city established a scientific public health department.

By the beginning of the twentieth century, the town was being industrialized due to its strategic location for the production of petroleum, natural gas, and salt. In 1909 the Standard Oil Company (predecessor of present-day ExxonMobil) built a facility that lured other petrochemical firms. Although the waterfront was flooded in 1912, the city escaped extensive damage then and in the 1927 Great Flood.

In 1932, during the Great Depression, Governor Huey P. Long directed the construction of a new Louisiana State Capitol, a public works project that was also a symbol of modernization. The growth of the state government contributed to growth in related businesses and amenities for the city.

Near the same time, both the Louisiana Institute for the Blind, and the School for the Deaf and Dumb were built in Baton Rouge. Throughout World War II, military demand for increased production at local chemical plants contributed to the growth of the city.

In the late 1940s, Baton Rouge and East Baton Rouge Parish became a consolidated city/parish with a mayor/president leading the government. It was one of the first cities in the nation to consolidate with regional government. The parish surrounds three incorporated cities: Baker, Zachary, and Central.