Lafayette Square Historic District, Washington, D.C. facts for kids
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Lafayette Square Historic District
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Equestrian sculpture of Andrew Jackson in Lafayette Square
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 Location in the District of Columbia
Location in the United States
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| Location | President's Park, Washington, D.C. |
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| Built | 1851 |
| Architect | Pierre Charles L'Enfant; Et al. |
| Architectural style | Late Victorian, Federal |
| NRHP reference No. | 70000833 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | August 29, 1970 |
| Designated NHLD | August 29, 1970 |
The Lafayette Square Historic District is a special historical area in Washington, D.C.. It's part of the original plan for the city. This district includes the 7-acre (2.8 ha) Lafayette Square itself. It also covers most of the buildings around the square. This includes buildings next to the White House on both sides. The district was named a National Historic Landmark in 1970. This means it's a very important place in American history.
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Lafayette Square's Interesting Past
Washington, D.C. became the capital of the United States in 1790. President George Washington was in charge of getting the city ready. Pierre Charles L'Enfant designed the city. He planned this square as a beautiful area around the White House. It was first called "President's Park." This name is now used for the larger area that includes the White House grounds.
In 1804, President Thomas Jefferson separated the square from the White House. He had Pennsylvania Avenue built between them. In 1824, the square was officially renamed. It honors the Marquis de Lafayette. He was a Frenchman who helped America during the American Revolutionary War.
Lafayette Square has been used for many things over the years. It was once a racetrack and even a graveyard. It also served as a zoo and a place where enslaved people were sold. Soldiers camped here during the War of 1812. Today, it's a popular spot for protests and celebrations. In 1851, Andrew Jackson Downing designed the park's beautiful look.
Buildings Around Lafayette Square
Many historic buildings surround Lafayette Square. They were built in the early 1800s and have different styles. Because they are so close to the White House, many of these buildings are important on their own. Some are even listed as National Historic Landmarks.
West Side Buildings
The west side of Lafayette Square is called Jackson Place. It has many townhouses built in the mid-to-late 1800s. Two houses at the south end are part of the Blair House complex. This complex is used for visiting world leaders. One of these, the Peter Parker House, is a National Historic Landmark.
Another house, 734 Jackson Place, is known as the American Peace Society house. Also, 736 Jackson Place was a temporary home for President Theodore Roosevelt. He lived there in 1902 while the White House was being fixed. At the north end of the block is the Decatur House. It was designed by the famous architect Benjamin Henry Latrobe.
Next to the White House on the west side is the Eisenhower Executive Office Building. It was built between 1871 and 1888. It was once the world's largest office building.
North Side Buildings
H Street runs along the north side of Lafayette Square. Moving from west to east, you'll see several important buildings. These include the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Building and the Hay–Adams Hotel. You'll also find St. John's Episcopal Church. This church is often called "the Church of the Presidents." The Ashburton House and the headquarters of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs are also here.
East Side Buildings
Madison Place is on the east side of Lafayette Square. Buildings facing this side include the Howard T. Markey National Courts Building. There's also the Benjamin Ogle Tayloe House and the Cutts-Madison House. The Treasury Building Annex is also here. The main Treasury Building is located next to the White House on its east side.
You can find two large urns on the south side of the district. They are between Jackson Place and Madison Place. Each urn is about 5 feet tall and 4 feet wide. They are made of bronze and sit on granite bases. The sides of the urns have carvings of classical female figures.
These urns were part of the park's original design from 1852. This design was created by Andrew Jackson Downing. His assistant, Calvert Vaux, might have helped design them too. The urns were made in a New York factory. This was ordered by George M. Robeson, who was the Secretary of the United States Navy at the time.
The urns were first placed in flower beds. These were on the east and west sides of the Andrew Jackson statue. In 1879, metal pans were added so they could hold flowers. The park was redesigned again in 1936. That's when the urns were moved to where they are today.
