First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy’s appreciation of 19th-century architecture and passion for Washington’s history led to her involvement in the fate of what was then known as Lafayette Square, once the city’s premier residential address.
During John F. Kennedy’s presidency, a battle was waged between modernists and preservationists over the fate of the site. At risk for demolition were historic buildings such as:
- the Renwick Gallery, today a Smithsonian museum
- the former headquarters of the National Women’s Party
- the final residence of First Lady Dolley Madison
Into the debate stepped the First Lady. How her ideas influenced the plan that ultimately determined the Square’s future can still be seen today.
IMAGE: Architect John C. Warneke and First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy examing Lafayette Square plans ROBERT J. KNUDSEN/JFK LIBRARY
