Lafayette Square

Historic Significance

Found in the heart of New Orleans' Central Business District, Lafayette Square is the city's second oldest public park, with only Jackson Square predating it. Charles Laveau Trudeau, who served as the Surveyor General of Louisiana during Spanish rule, designed this charming green space back in 1788.

Originally called Place Gravier, the park got its current name in 1824 to honor the Marquis de Lafayette - that French aristocrat who crossed the Atlantic to help Americans fight for independence during the Revolutionary War.

Layout and Features

This modest 2.5-acre park is bordered by St. Charles Avenue, Camp Street, and North and South Maestri Streets. Right across from the square stands Gallier Hall, an impressive Greek Revival structure that served as New Orleans' city hall for more than a hundred years.

The park's design is pretty straightforward but effective - a central lawn with diagonal walkways extending to each corner. What gives Lafayette Square its character are its large shade trees. Live oaks, southern magnolias, yaupons, and sycamores create a lush canopy that offers welcome relief from the Louisiana sun. Some of these trees have branches that stretch out in dramatic fashion, creating natural sculptures against the sky.

You can find benches scattered throughout if you need a moment to rest or just want to soak in the peaceful atmosphere. And since the park is open 24/7, you can enjoy this little urban oasis whenever the mood strikes.

Notable Monuments

Three bronze statues add historical character to the square. A Henry Clay monument stands at the center, while Benjamin Franklin keeps watch from the Camp Street side. Until 2020, a statue of John McDonogh also graced the St. Charles Avenue section before its removal. Beds of African irises surround these monuments, adding color to the landscape.

The park features a thoughtful layout with an outer brick sidewalk and inner concrete path, separated by azaleas and other flowering shrubs that bloom beautifully in season.

Events and Activities

Lafayette Square is busiest during its various community gatherings. Wednesdays at the Square brings locals together for free concerts during spring and fall, complete with food vendors and a relaxed, festive vibe. If you're into blues music or barbecue (or both!), the Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival is worth checking out. The square also hosts colorful Day of the Dead celebrations that showcase the city's cultural diversity.

During Mardi Gras, the park transforms into a prime parade-watching spot. Many floats even pause nearby for traditional toasts - a quintessential New Orleans experience. Year-round, you might stumble upon arts markets or cultural festivals that give the space an ever-changing character.

Dog owners regularly stroll through with their leashed pets, while nearby office workers often escape their desks to enjoy lunch in this peaceful setting.

Recent History

Hurricane Katrina hit the square hard in 2005, seriously damaging many of its treasured trees. This disaster had a silver lining, although - it prompted the creation of the Lafayette Square Conservancy, a non-profit that works alongside the city's Parks and Parkways Department to care for and preserve this historic space.

Over the years, the square has woven itself into New Orleans' social fabric, hosting everything from inaugurations to civic gatherings, concerts, and festivals. Today, Lafayette Square remains an important historical site in New Orleans' downtown landscape.