HLS 23RS-2447 ENGROSSED
2023 Regular Session
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 179
BY REPRESENTATIVES ECHOLS, FARNUM, GADBERRY, MIKE JOHNSON,
MAGEE, NEWELL, STEFANSKI, AND THOMAS
PUBLIC BUILDINGS/ST CAPL: Requests the Department of Culture, Recreation and
Tourism to study and make recommendations relative to repairs needed at the
Pentagon Barracks
1 A RESOLUTION
2To urge and request the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism to study and make
3 recommendations relative to repairs needed at the historic Pentagon Barracks.
4 WHEREAS, the historic Pentagon Barracks has played a significant role in the
5history of the state; and
6 WHEREAS, from 1819 to 1823, after the U.S. Army selected the fort at Baton Rouge
7to serve as an ordnance depot, the Army built four barracks buildings and a combination
8commissary and warehouse building making up the Pentagon Barracks; the commissary and
9warehouse building was torn down within years of being built, leaving the four barracks
10buildings; and
11 WHEREAS, the ordnance depot grew to be the largest in the South, served as a main
12supply depot during the Mexican War in 1847, changed hands between the Union and
13Confederacy during the Civil War, and was deactivated as a military post in 1879; and
14 WHEREAS, Louisiana State University used the Pentagon Barracks to house cadets
15and other students from 1886 until 1950 when they were renovated into apartments for LSU
16faculty and other state employees; and
17 WHEREAS, in 1951, Governor Earl K. Long ordered that some of the space be used
18as state offices while some apartments remained; and
Page 1 of 3 HLS 23RS-2447 ENGROSSED
HR NO. 179
1 WHEREAS, throughout its history the Pentagon Barracks has played host to many
2American historical figures including several U.S. presidents and prominent military figures,
3and in 1976, the buildings were placed on the National Historic Register; and
4 WHEREAS, the Pentagon Barracks is still used as apartments for state officials and
5the Pentagon Barracks Museum contains many displays relating to the history of the facility;
6and
7 WHEREAS, the Pentagon Barracks has reached a state of disrepair and is in need of
8refurbishment and preservation; and
9 WHEREAS, in consideration of its significant history, it is appropriate to take efforts
10to maintain the structural and historical integrity of the Pentagon Barracks within the State
11Capitol Historic District in accordance with the public policy of the state, as declared in R.S.
1225:781, to provide for the historic preservation of the buildings and grounds so that they may
13be preserved for the education, inspiration, pleasure, and enrichment of the citizens of this
14state; and
15 WHEREAS, the division of historic preservation, office of cultural development,
16Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism is charged with regulating the historic
17character of the buildings of the historic district.
18 THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the House of Representatives of the
19Legislature of Louisiana does hereby urge and request the Department of Culture, Recreation
20and Tourism to study and make recommendations relative to historic repairs needed at the
21Pentagon Barracks in keeping with the historic character of the buildings and to produce a
22report of previous repairs and future actions needed to preserve the integrity of the structure
23of the Pentagon Barracks.
24 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that in conducting its study, the department is urged
25to utilize all available resources including experts from the division of historic preservation,
26the division of archeology, and any other divisions to produce recommendations consistent
27with United States Department of the Interior Standards for the Treatment of Historic
28Properties.
29 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the department shall report its findings to the
30House of Representatives and the division of administration prior to April 15, 2024.
Page 2 of 3 HLS 23RS-2447 ENGROSSED
HR NO. 179
DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part
of the legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute
part of the law or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
HR 179 Engrossed 2023 Regular Session Echols
Requests the Dept. of Culture, Recreation and Tourism to study and make recommendations
relative to historic repairs needed at the Pentagon Barracks and to report its findings to the
House of Representatives and the division of administration prior to April 15, 2024.
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
The Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on House and
Governmental Affairs to the original resolution:
1. Change the report date from March 1, 2024, to April 15, 2024.
Page 3 of 3