About 10 minutes walk from Metro Center subway station, Lafayette Square is a historic public park right in the heart of Washington, D.C., directly north of the White House. It’s one of those places where American history, politics, protest, and everyday life all intersect. It’s part of President’s Park and covers about 7 acres.
Bordered by H Street to the north and Pennsylvania Avenue to the south, it’s basically the White House’s front yard. Originally intended as part of the White House grounds, it was separated and became a public park in the early 1800s.
Named after the Marquis de Lafayette, the French hero of the American Revolutionary War.
It has been a stage for everything from anti-slavery rallies in the 1800s to Black Lives Matter protests in recent years.
Presidents, politicians, and activists have all passed through or made speeches here.
There’s a cool mix of statues of foreign military heroes who helped during the American Revolution, including: Marquis de Lafayette (France); Baron von Steuben (Prussia); Tadeusz Kościuszko (Poland); Comte de Rochambeau (France) Plus, there’s a central equestrian statue of Andrew Jackson—notable for being one of the first bronze castings made in the U.S.
It’s a favorite spot for peaceful protests, impromptu speeches, tourists snapping selfies with the White House, and locals just relaxing on benches.
During major political events or inaugurations, it often becomes a media hub or rallying point.
In 2020, Lafayette Square made global headlines during the George Floyd protests when law enforcement cleared protesters before President Trump’s Walk to St. John’s Episcopal Church, just across the street.
I visited this square this Ester Sunday and especially enjoyed the beautiful tulips blooming in its garden.
