Lafayette Square

Lafayette Square

Lafayette Square was part of the city's original plan when it was first known as Courthouse Square. It was renamed for the Revolutionary War  

legend, General Lafayette, who stayed at the adjacent Eagle Tavern and addressed an enthusiastic gathering of citizens in the Square. The 1825 visit by the Marquis de Lafayette was in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the struggle for American Independence. The Square has been visited by the likes of President Martin Van Buren and President-elect Abraham Lincoln. The Square's most identifiable feature is the Civil War monument at its center dedicated in 1884 by Buffalo favorite son Grover Cleveland, who was then Governor of New York and would go on to be 22nd President of the United States. Over the years, the Square would continue to be a gathering spot for political and protest. For a quarter of a century, the Square even became a summer gathering spot for weekly music concerts aptly named Thursday in the Square. The Square is flanked by some of the city's most notable buildings, including the Liberty Building and Hotel Lafayette, as well as the newest tenant on the block, Hilton Garden Inn.