Lafayette Square

Lafayette Square is a historic park located in the heart of downtown Buffalo, New York. Originally part of Joseph Ellicott's 1804 urban design for the city, the square has played a significant role in Buffalo's development and continues to be an important public space.

The park is named after General Lafayette, who visited Buffalo in 1825. Once a perfect square, the park's shape has been altered over time to accommodate urban development, including the extension of Broadway to Main Street in the early 20th century.

At the center of Lafayette Square stands the Soldiers and Sailors Monument, a prominent Civil War memorial. This 85-foot granite column, topped with a statue representing the city of Buffalo, was erected in 1882 and reconstructed in 1889. The monument features statues representing different branches of the military and includes bronze symbols of the nation and state, as well as bas-relief figures depicting various wartime scenes.

Lafayette Square is surrounded by some of Buffalo's most iconic buildings, including the Liberty Building, the Main Court Building, and the Art Deco-style City Hall, which can be viewed from the square. The Buffalo & Erie County Public Library also borders the square, continuing the area's tradition as a center for civic life.

Throughout its history, Lafayette Square has served as a gathering place for public events, political rallies, and cultural celebrations. It was once the site of the popular Thursday at the Square summer concert series, which ran until 2011. Today, the square continues to host various community events and provides a pleasant green space for office workers and visitors to enjoy in the bustling downtown area.