Lafayette Square Historic District, Historic district near White House, Washington, D.C., United States
Lafayette Square Historic District is a seven-acre park directly north of the White House with surrounding buildings that date primarily from the 1800s. The area includes Federal-style townhouses, St. John's Episcopal Church, and notable residences like Decatur House and Blair House, arranged around the central open space.
The area began as a racetrack and burial ground before becoming a slave market, until Thomas Jefferson separated it from White House grounds in 1804 to create a public square. Over the following decades, notable townhouses and government buildings were constructed around the park, establishing it as a significant address in the city.
St. John's Episcopal Church stands as a focal point where locals and visitors gather to experience the spiritual life that has defined this place for generations. The church and surrounding historic buildings reveal how this square has served as a gathering space for Washington's communities.
The square is accessible year-round and best explored on foot to appreciate the architecture and layout of the buildings from different angles. Most of the area can be enjoyed from the outside, making it ideal for a daytime walk through the neighborhood.
Two classical bronze urns stand in the square, each about 5 feet tall, originally cast in New York under Secretary of the Navy Robeson during his tenure. They were relocated to their current location in 1936, adding an artistic element that many visitors walk past without noticing.
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