Bonnie Blue Flag Lowered In Ceremonies

BATON ROUGE — The Bonnie Blue Flag of the Republic of West Florida was lowered in ceremonies at the Louisiana State Museum at 660 N. Third St.

Three Bethany Christian School students, including one from Central, participated in the ceremonies, which honored the 200th anniversary of the transfer of control of Baton Rouge from the Republic of West Florida to the United States. The Stars and Stripes first flew over Baton Rouge Dec. 10, 1810. The flag was raised over the West Florida capital in St. Francisville four days earlier on Dec. 6, 1810.

Lt. Gov. Jay Dardenne spoke at the ceremony. He has been a leader in commemorating the history of the independent republic that overthrew Spain here.

Bethany history teacher Michael Guillory took part in the event, along with students Katie Lofton, who read part of the Declaration of Independence of West Florida, Madeline Consoer of Central who read a letter from Gov. W.C.C. Claiborne, and Derrick Dabney who led the Pledge of Allegiance.