This Will Be War: Louisiana Secession

Learn About Louisiana’s Secession from the Union

Before the war broke out between the North and South, Louisiana was one of seven states that seceded from the United States of America. This one-of-its-kind tour lays out the events leading up to the secession of Louisiana, the act of seceding, as well as the capture of the United States arsenal in Baton Rouge. Nic Clark, the owner of Blue, Gray, & Bayous, leads this tour while you visit historically significant locations such as the Old State Capitol, Pentagon Barracks, and the Old U.S. Arsenal powder magazine.

This tour puts you in the same building and room where Louisiana lawmakers debated secession and ultimately cast the vote to leave the Union on January 26, 1861. This vote set Louisiana down the path to war.

Prior to the tour, there will be an opening reception with complimentary pastries and coffee after which you will receive historical information to set the stage for the events that led up to Louisiana leaving the Union.

Following breakfast and introductions, the tour takes you through the streets of Baton Rouge from the Old State Capital up to the Pentagon Barracks and Old U.S. Arsenal, stopping along the way to learn about the events surrounding the capture of the arsenal by Louisiana militia. You then return to the Old State Capital for a talk within the old House Chamber to learn about the debate for and against secession.

Along with historical information and site visits, there are door prizes for those on the tour, which are all complimentary.

There is no secured/designated parking for this tour. You can find parking either on the street, in a parking lot, or in a nearby garage.