Centenary State Historic Site in Jackson: What to Know
Tour the grounds of Louisiana’s oldest college, founded in 1826.
About 30 miles north of Baton Rouge, in the rolling hills of East Feliciana Parish, are the remains of what was once Centenary College. The liberal arts school was founded in 1825 and today, as the main attraction at Centenary State Historic Site in Jackson, it tells the story of a once-thriving men’s college whose rise to prominence was dramatically affected by the Civil War.
History of Centenary College
The students of what was initially known as the College of Louisiana were the sons of planters and professionals. Within 20 years of its founding, the College of Louisiana’s enrollment grew greatly, but financial hardship led it to merge with another school, Mississippi’s Centenary College.
The newly minted Centenary College of Louisiana flourished until the Civil War, when Union troops used the dormitories for housing and Confederates converted part of the school into a hospital. Centenary, with damaged buildings and low enrollment, never recovered after the war. In 1908, the school moved to Shreveport where it remains in operation today.
Visiting Centenary State Historic Site
Today, visitors can tour the college's former grounds and learn of Centenary’s successes and demise. The West Wing dormitory and a professor’s house still stand, offering insights into college life nearly 200 years ago. Guided tours of the buildings are offered by appointment at Centenary State Historic Site, or you can explore the gorgeous scenery surrounding the school on your own.
Entrance fee: $4 per person; free for seniors age 62 and older, and children age 3 and under.
Attractions Around Jackson, Louisiana
While you're in the area, continue your historical exploration by staying at the Old Centenary Inn, which was constructed using salvaged materials from the college's old East Dormitory building down the street. Just outside of town, admire the flora and fauna of Mary Ann Brown Preserve. A little farther down the road in Baton Rouge, see the Capitol Park Museum to learn about the state's unique history and culture or visit the USS KIDD Veterans Museum.
Note: The USS KIDD Veterans Museum is temporarily moving to Houma for repairs projected to last through 2025. The museum will remain open throughout repairs. Patrons are invited to visit the museum's website for virtual tours, too.
