With summer coming to an end, it means football season is about to begin. And while these days many in the Garden District get excited for football, many years ago, before the Civil War in fact, it was a different sport that held center stage in Baton Rouge: horse racing. Magnolia Racetrack occupied the area where Roseland Terrace is now (between Government, 18th, Myrtle, and 22nd Streets).
Magnolia Race Track circa 1850.
The following is what turn-of-the-century historian John McGrath wrote about it:
“Baton Rouge was included in the racing circuit and a fine track was located where Roseland Terrace is today. Racetrack week was a gala time. For days before the opening, steamboats would arrive with the finest Kentucky stables, bringing racehorses and the owners, the slaves and the body servants, and an army of trainers, jockeys, and stable hands.”
“Then the visitors from the surrounding parishes would flock to Baton Rouge. Every house held its guests, and the army officers of the old garrison contributed their note of color with their uniforms and their military bearing. Planters from adjoining parishes would arrive with their families and retinue of servants. The town was lively indeed. There’s nothing like it now.”
