The old Louisiana state capitol is located on the Mississippi River. It was built in 1847.

It was used as a garrison for Federal troops during the Civil War. Fire broke out during that time and gutted the building except for the exterior walls. It was then that the spiral staircase and dome were built.

Mark Twain laughed about the building being the ugliest structure along the entire length of the Mississippi River.

After the dedication of the new capitol building, this magnificent structure fell into disrepair.
A later renovation found an oak tree growing inside that was at least 25 years old.

There is a beautiful spiral staircase in the center of the building. It now houses a museum dedicated to the rich political history of Louisiana.

For more information, their website is:
http://www.louisianaoldstatecapitol.org/


It has been restored and is now an art museum, housing state of the art exhibits.