Lafayette Square

By: Lonnie J. Hovey

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Synopsis: Lafayette Square's rich history dates back to the founding of the District of Columbia when Pierre L'Enfant planned it as part of the grounds for the president's house. The square was one of the first open spaces within the city to be designed as a public park. Across Pennsylvania Avenue from the White House, the park's neighborhood became home to presidents, vice presidents, cabinet members, diplomats, inventors, journalists, heroes, authors, scientists, law breakers, and scoundrels. Today, the square and its sculptures are surrounded by government offices, but symbolically, it is the White House's front yard, making it an attractive destination. Using historic photographs, Lafayette Square captures the square's social, political, and architectural history, highlighting important past events.