Lafayette Square
New Orleans, Orleans Parish, Louisiana
Marker Inscription
Lafayette Square. Planned in 1788 as a public place for Faubourg Ste. Marie, the City's first suburb, this Square honors American Revolutionary War Hero, Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert Du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette. He declined the invitation to become the first Governor when the United States purchased Louisiana. During his April 9-15, 1825, visit to the City of New Orleans, his popularity was evidenced by resounding cheers of "Vive Lafayette, Vive Lafayette!" Erected by France-Amérique de la Louisiane, 1985
Erected by France-Amérique de la Louisiane
The Story
Laid out in 1788 as the public square of Faubourg Ste. Marie, New Orleans' first suburb, this green honors the Marquis de Lafayette, the French nobleman who fought for American independence. He declined an offer to become the first governor of the Louisiana territory the United States had just purchased, but on his triumphal 1825 tour he was met here with cries of 'Vive Lafayette!' A French-American society dedicated the marker in 1985.
Why it matters
It commemorates the enduring Franco-American bond forged in the Revolution and celebrated as the young republic expanded across the continent.
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Related people
- · Marquis de Lafayette
Related events
- · Lafayette's 1825 visit to New Orleans
Themes & tags
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