Louisiana State University: It’s Full of History!

Historical Landmarks On Campus

There is a lot of history on the campus here at LSU and you will run into it as you tour the campus. Louisiana State University is the state’s flagship university and was established way back in 1853. The University officially opened in 1860 near Pineville, Louisiana under the direction of William Tecumseh Sherman, who resigned shortly afterwards to serve in the Civil War. The school moved to Baton Rouge in 1870. The present campus was constructed in 1922 and the first classes were held in 1926.

My favorite historical marking on campus is the Indian Mounds. The mounds are the oldest cultural standings on campus and are believed to date as far back as 3000 B.C. The mounds have been excavated for research several years ago, but no skeletal remains were found. The Indian Mounds are located up the hill from the Pete Maravich Assembly Center and Tiger Stadium. They are now roped off to prevent further erosion to the mounds.

There is also a nice size Greek Theater on campus that seats 3500 people for outdoor concerts and other events. It is styled like a natural authentic Greek amphitheater. This is a nice place for a picnic on weekdays or weekends. The squirrels will hop along the backs of the cement seats to try and get a treat from you. They are not shy at all and used to the interaction of lots of people.

Memorial Tower was built in 1923 as a memorial to all of those who died in World War I. It is located across from the Parade Grounds in the center of campus. The tower contains a cornerstone located in front of tower from the original building in Pineville, Louisiana.

There are more historical findings on campus that you will discover as you tour the facilities. The architecture and different styles of buildings is also interesting. Be sure and check out the small fountain and waterfall by Allen Hall. A fourth murals was recently discovered hidden under layers of paint on the walls. Allen Hall is one of thirteen original buildings on campus.

Student Union

The Student Union is located in the center of campus and is a meeting place for students. Students can shop in the Bookstore, grab a coffee at the Coffee Shop, get a haircut at the Barber Shop, have lunch at the Cafeteria or Magnolia Room Restaurant, shop at the Frame Shop, visit the post office, do their banking, go bowling, shoot pool, grab a burger at McDonald’s or check their email at the computer station. The Student Union is the “backbone” of the campus. It is currently under renovation to add more vendors and functionality for students.

Mike the Tiger – THE Big Attraction on Campus!

Another huge attraction on campus is Mike the Tiger, the official LSU mascot, a live Bengal tiger who resides on campus in a multi-million dollar habitat. Mike VI is the new mascot, replacing Mike V, who died in May 2007 of renal failure. The habitat is designed to be a perfect environment for a Bengal Tiger and includes natural fauna,trees, a pool, a waterfall and a den where he sleeps at night. The mascot attracts hundreds of visitors each week.

Other Campus Highlights

The Student Union is surrounded by the oak trees, pine trees, etc. and make a nice shady place to sit on a bench and study or just talk with friends. Another colorful tree that you will see frequently on campus is the Crepe Myrtle. You will find them blooming in the late summer months to early fall months. There are also some huge Magnolia trees, lots of azaleas and a few Dogwood trees left on campus.

The Student Union contains a bookstore, coffee shop, cafeteria, McDonald’s, barbershop, post office, credit union, newsstand, conference rooms, theater, travel agency and other venues that are useful to students. It is currently undergoing a renovation to add new facilities and updates.

The latest on the horticultural scene are the new palm trees recently planted in front of the dorms, East and West Laville. This gave the campus a new look and new greenery. My old department was located in a bland old metal building and was a research Institute for wetland research. Our landscape was highlighted by cypress trees in the back and crepe myrtles in the front. The building I currently work in has a modern look and is surrounded by live oak trees, cypress trees, azaleas and a few other small plants in beds around the building.

There are two lakes on campus, one which joins into Capitol Lake. It is quite large and contains a walking trail around it. This lake is on the eastern border of campus and is a great view for some of the Fraternity and Sorority houses on campus. It is a popular spot for students, as well as the public. Picnic tables are available in an area maintained by BREC, the recreation and park commission for the parish of East Baton Rouge.

There is also a smaller lake almost in the center of campus. The lakes are home to a flock of domestic ducks, wild ducks in the winter and migrating brown pelicans over the winter months. It is a very pretty campus, no matter where you are touring.

The Down-Side-Parking!

The down-side to LSU is the parking situation. It is bad during the semester with classes in full swing. It is not only bad for students who have to park in the outlying area of campus and walk all the way across campus but also for faculty and staff members who need a parking spot near the office in which they work. Parking lots are over-crowded and many times you cannot get into your assigned parking lot.

Parking for sporting events requires that you arrive HOURS before the event. This is usually no problem for football games because most come early anyway for “tail-gating” but woe be unto you if you plan to arrive on campus that afternoon.

I would have to say that the parking situation needs some major improvements and a high rise parking lot or two would be a major improvement!

Location-Baton Rouge, LA

LSU is located just south of downtown Baton Rouge, LA overlooking the Mississippi River. You can enter through the north gates on Highland Road or Nicholson Drive. From the south you can enter via Highland Road. A third entrance is from the west and is Skip Bertman Drive accessible from River Road. If you are coming in from the interstate, you will want to take either the Dalrymple Drive exit or Acadian Thruway exit.

The campus covers more than 2,000 acres, has more than 250 buildings with an enrollment over 30,000 students. It is adorned by hundreds of ancient oak trees that stand majestically all over campus. Be sure to stop for a visit if you are in the area.