Lafayette Park (Presidents Park)

It is not well known, but often seen. This is a good description of Lafayette Park, also known as President’s Park, in Washington, DC. Lafayette Park is the formal name of the White House grounds; the President and his family actually live within a national park site.

The area

The Lafayette Park area is included in President’s Park, which includes Lafayette Park, the Ellipse, Sherman Park and the 1st Division monument. The Ellipse is located just to the south of the White House fence, while the 1st Division monument is west of the White House. This monument was designed by noted architect Cass Gilbert and was erected to commemorate the service of the Army’s 1st Division in World War I. It was later expanded to reflect the Division’s service in other conflicts.

Park history

Lafayette Park went through many different incarnations before becoming a national park site. The land was a racetrack, graveyard, slave market, zoo and encampment for soldiers during the War of 1812. In 1824, it was named for the Marquis de Lafayette, of Revolutionary War fame, and became part of the national park system in 1970.

The Lafayette Park area is heavily visited by tourists. The White House Visitor Center is nearby, and there is convenient access to the Smithsonian Institution and other historic and cultural sites on the National Mall. The area is served by Washington area rapid transit options as well as tour buses. The Ellipse is the annual location for the National Christmas Tree, and many other special events are held there throughout the year.