Historic Neighborhoods of Baton Rouge

by Annabelle M. Armstrong

Baton Rouge is known for its rich history, food, politics, music and universities. Perhaps overlooked are the stories of how this large port city's close-knit neighborhoods have adapted to changes over the years. Annabelle Armstrong deftly navigates the evolution of these historic communities, showcasing southern charm and romanticism through firsthand accounts of people who call these places home. Journey back to the beginnings of Hundred Oaks, Capital Heights, University Acres, Wimbledon, Tara, Inniswold, Glenwood, Walnut Hills, Stratford, Steele Place, Broussard, Southdowns and many more popular places to settle down.

128 pages, Paperback

First published August 13, 2010

Reviews

[Shaun Blue]

It's a little dry but does offer some interesting information on how some of the neighborhoods in Baton Rouge started. I found it best to have a map app open while reading to find the streets and neighborhoods being referenced.

[Annburnett]

This book gives a small brief history of many neighborhoods in Baton Rouge. It was very interesting to read and get tidbits of the history of the neighborhood.

[Richard Burford]

Neither "Historic" nor Inclusive: Lacks Narrative Cohesion

I was born and raised in Baton Rouge. I purchased this book eagerly anticipating (a) a good read and (2) learning about the historic neighborhoods of the city. This book lacks a narrative thread to tie the chapters together. The chapters are fragmented and loosely pasted together. The content is thin and unsatisfying. It lacks maps. The pictures are sparse. I can not recommend it as a good read. As for the historic value of the book, it very light on history. A large part of the book addresses modern neighborhood s such as Tara, Pine Park, Jefferson Place, Goodwood, ..... most built after the 1950's. These are discussed by presenting a litany of people places and events. Neighborhoods such as Scotlandville are ignored altogether. People of color and their residences are not to be found here, an unfortunate omission.

[Pam Lauman]

Very interesting to read about all the neighborhoods in Baton Rouge that were once so familiar. I moved to Colorado 36 years ago so never would have remembered the locations without the help of Maps on my iPad. The writing was not the greatest but lots of memories revived.

[Carol]

I was excited to read this book - both my grandparents and their neighborhoods were featured as well as my neighborhood and the neighborhood I grew up in. Unfortunately, it was a bit of a let down. Not very well written and ultimately a bore.