Old Governor's Mansion

Subject: History

502 North Blvd.
Baton Rouge, LA 70802

(225) 387-2464 | General Information
(225) 387-2464 ext. 11 | Reservations
(225) 343-3989 | Fax

What you need to know!

General Public Hours and Admission Rates: Tuesday – Friday, 10:00am – 4:00pm; $6.00 Adults, $5.00 Seniors, $4.00 Students K- 12th, Free for Children under 5 years old

School Tour Hours and Admission Rates: Tuesday – Friday 10:00am – 4:00pm; $1.00 Students, Free for required Chaperones, $4.00 Additional adults

Student to Chaperone Ratio Required: 10:1
Advance Time Needed to Make Reservations: Two weeks
Advance deposit required $25.00
Number of Students per Hour: Up to 50
Suggested Length of Time for Visit: One hour
Handicapped Accessible: Yes
Grade Level Appropriate: 4th – 12th
Lunch Facilities: There is an on-site picnic area and fast food is nearby.
Gift Shop: Yes
Bus parking available

Tell Us About It!

Louisiana’s Old Governor’s Mansion is a Georgian-style building designed by the New Orleans architectural firm of Weiss, Drefous, and Seiferth, who also designed the current State Capitol. The mansion was constructed by the inimitable Huey P. Long in 1930. The mansion is the second executive home to occupy this site, replacing the antebellum home that had served as the official residence of Louisiana governors from 1887 until 1929, when it was demolished on orders from Governor Long. Long’s aspirations to be President of the United States are reflected in the façade and design of this mansion, affectionately once referred to as “Louisiana’s White House.” This landmark building served as the official residence of nine Louisiana governors: Huey P. Long, Alvin O. King, O.K. Allen, James A. Noe, Richard W. Leche, Earl K. Long, Sam H. Jones, Robert F. Kennon, and James H. “Jimmie” Davis. Today, after a complete historical restoration, the Old Governor’s Mansion is a museum and also serves as the offices of the Foundation for Historical Louisiana.

What Can We See and Do There?

The interior of the building has been restored to its original glory based on historical photographs and first hand accounts of the day. Come waltz across the elegant terrazzo floors in the grand East Ballroom or creep up the secret staircase that governors like Huey P. Long might have used to move through the house unseen. As students tour the mansion, they will come across such personal effects as Huey P. Long’s graduation cap and gown, the “Kingfish’s” famous boater hat, and walking stick that he used to tap legislators during sessions in the Capitol. The mansion’s collection includes Jimmie Davis’s leather saddle that he used to ride his horse, “Sunshine,” and gold records that were awarded the singing governor for his rendition of “You Are My Sunshine” and “Supper Time.” Tour guides tell about the lives of the legendary men who occupied the Old Governor’s Mansion. The stories of the First Ladies and their children are woven into the interpretation of this house museum. Formal fountains, a rose garden, and lovely grounds complement this National Register building.

How Do We Get There?

From I-10 to I-110 north exit at Government. Turn left on Government St. and travel to Front St. Turn right on Front St. and go one block then turn on North Blvd. Travel past four traffic lights, the museum will be on the right.

Bad Weather! Now What Do We Do?

This field trip is primarily indoors.

Louisiana State Educational Benchmarks and Standards

K-4th grades: G-1B-E1, 3-4; C-1A-E1, 4-5; H-1A-E1-3; H-1B-E1-2; H-1C-E1-4
5th-8th grades: C-1A-M3, 4-5; H-1A-M1-6; H-1D-M1-2, 6
9th-12th grades: C-1A-H2, 4; G-1B-H1, 4; H-1A-H1-6

What Can We Do In Class Before Our Field Trip?

Teachers can request copies of the site’s publication, About Baton Rouge, the Capital City. This 12-page booklet for grades 4 – 6 contains cheerful puzzles and brainteasers for younger students. Teachers for older students may request a detailed description of the historic rooms. Teachers can also check out the website for historical background information and views of the historic mansion.

S-T-R-E-T-C-H Out Your Field Trip Benefits

Younger students may enjoy working on their booklets sent from the mansion. Older students may want to follow up their tour of this historic governor’s mansion with a visit to the new State Capitol that Huey P. Long was also responsible for building. Students can visit the Old State Capitol museum to view the exhibit on Louisiana’s Governors. Back at school kids can visit the State Archives’ website to look for images of the governors and their families who once resided in this North Blvd. residence.