West Baton Rouge Parish, separated from the Capital City by the Mississippi River, is a historic center of industry with a swiftly improving school system. For demographic information on West Baton Rouge, visit our regional data page.
Addis
The small railroad town of Addis was originally known as Baton Rouge Junction, acting as a dividing point for the Texas and Pacific Railroad. Incorporated in 1915 and named after one of the town’s first leaders, Addis is a key piece of Baton Rouge Area history. Railroad enthusiasts travel from all over to visit the Addis Museum, which displays railroad memorabilia related to the town’s rich rail history.
Locals love Addis because:
- Addis residents value their community’s small-town atmosphere and strive to maintain the town’s unique character.
Port Allen
The City of Port Allen, the parish seat of West Baton Rouge, is just across the Mississippi River bridge from downtown Baton Rouge. Port Allen’s position on the west bank of the Mississippi and its multimodal transportation options have made it a hub of business and industry. Port Allen is the site of the Port of Greater Baton Rouge, one of the 10 largest ports in the nation. It is also home to the West Baton Rouge Museum, which has revolving exhibits showcasing the best of local, regional and statewide artists.
Locals love Port Allen because:
- Port Allen is only an 8-minute drive from the Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport and under 15 minutes from downtown Baton Rouge.
- Port Allen’s Mississippi Riverfront Development offers locals and visitors a panoramic view of the Mississippi River, complete with a pedestrian promenade. The location is often used for entertainment and recreational events.
