Lafayette Square
Quick Summary
Lafayette Square is a historic neighborhood and park located directly north of the White House in Washington, D.C. It was once a prestigious area where prominent Washingtonians and world leaders were entertained in elegant mansions. Notable residents and figures associated with the area include Dolley Madison, Daniel Webster, and Stephen Decatur. St. John's Church, known as the "Church of the Presidents," is also located there.1
In the early 20th century, many homes were replaced by grand bank and office buildings. By 1962, the federal government planned to replace the remaining historic homes with government offices. However, first lady Jacqueline Kennedy championed historic preservation, leading to a compromise where new structures were built behind the historic homes. Today, Lafayette Square is a significant urban space, reflecting a blend of historic architecture and government buildings.1
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Washington, D.C.Lafayette SquareThe Lafayette Square neighborhood lies directly north of the White House on H Street between 15th and 17th streets. It was once a showplace of wealth and influence. Throughout the 19th century some of the most distinguished Washingtonians and important national and world…
Read MoreThe Lafayette Square neighborhood lies directly north of the White House on H Street between 15th and 17th streets. It was once a showplace of wealth and influence. Throughout the 19th century some of the most distinguished Washingtonians and important national and world…
Read More- Washington, D.C.Monuments and memorials
…placed at each corner of Lafayette Square, north of the White House: Tadeusz Kościuszko, the baron von Steuben, the comte de Rochambeau, and the marquis de Lafayette. Four Latin American independence leaders—Simón Bolívar, José de San Martín, José Gervasio Artigas, and Benito Juárez
Read More…placed at each corner of Lafayette Square, north of the White House: Tadeusz Kościuszko, the baron von Steuben, the comte de Rochambeau, and the marquis de Lafayette. Four Latin American independence leaders—Simón Bolívar, José de San Martín, José Gervasio Artigas, and Benito Juárez
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