Lafayette Square

A Slice of Buffalo's Past

Located in the bustling heart of downtown Buffalo, Lafayette Square carries the weight of history in its pathways. Part of Joseph Ellicott's original 1804 blueprint for the city, this green space has witnessed Buffalo's evolution throughout the city's history.

Named after General Lafayette who stopped by Buffalo in 1825, the park has shape-shifted over the decades. Once an ideal square (as the name suggests), it's gradually changed form to make room for urban growth, including Broadway's extension to Main Street in the early 1900s.

Monuments That Speak Volumes

Dominating the square is the impressive Soldiers and Sailors Monument, a tribute to those who served in the Civil War. Standing 85 feet tall, this granite column is crowned with a statue representing Buffalo itself. Originally built in 1882 and then reconstructed in 1889, it's a significant monument in the city's landscape.

Take a closer look and you'll notice statues representing different military branches, bronze national and state symbols, and intricate bas-relief scenes depicting wartime moments. Scattered benches invite you to sit for a moment, perhaps with a book or a friend, while soaking in the historical significance that surrounds you.

Architectural Eye Candy

The square offers views of some of Buffalo's notable architecture. The Liberty Building stands proud alongside the Main Court Building, while the Art Deco lines of City Hall create a stunning backdrop.

On one edge, the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library continues the square's long tradition as a civic hub. For architecture enthusiasts, the historic buildings lining the square represent different eras and styles.

Where Buffalo Comes Together

Lafayette Square has historically been a central gathering place where the community comes together. Until 2011, it pulsed with live music during the popular Thursday at the Square summer concerts.

These days, you might catch jazz performances backed by the Colored Musicians Club or join in a Slow Roll bicycle gathering. It's a breathing space in the concrete landscape where office workers escape with their lunch, tourists pause to orient themselves, and locals meet up before heading elsewhere.

Your Downtown Oasis

Lafayette Square is notably quiet at dawn and dusk, offering a contrast to the usual downtown energy. During summer, the mature trees cast generous shadows, offering a cool retreat from Buffalo's warmest days.

You can easily reach the square via public transportation, with metro stations just steps away. Open around the clock, this park seamlessly blends its role as historical landmark with its function as a practical public space - a place where you can feel the heartbeat of Buffalo's civic life, whether you have five minutes or an afternoon to spare.