Lafayette Square in St. Louis, Missouri — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
1876 Lafayette Park Music Pavilion
Photographed By Jason Voigt, September 18, 2019
1. 1876 Lafayette Park Music Pavilion Marker
In 1876, over eight thousand people assembled in Lafayette Park for the inauguration of the Lafayette Park Music Pavillion. A thirty piece band entertained the crowd. The bandstand remained the centerpiece of the park and a social gathering point in St. Louis for the next twenty years, with bi-weekly concerts. It was one of the most elaborate park structures ever built in the United States with ornate columns, a colorful cupola, and painted instruments on each of the twelve sections of the ceiling.
A tornado tore through St. Louis on May 27, 1896, destroying much of Lafayette Square and the park, toppling the bandstand. The entire area fell into decline until new urban pioneers brought Lafayette Square back to life beginning in the 1960s. Help us continue the restoration of Lafayette Park.
To donate or follow our progress go to Lafayettepark.org and specify 1876 Bandstand for your donation. Or email us at [email protected] for more information.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Disasters • Entertainment • Parks & Recreational Areas.
Location. 38° 36.955′ N, 90° 12.976′ W. Marker is in St. Louis, Missouri. It
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Senator Thomas Hart Benton, 1782-1858 (a few steps from this marker); These Guns are from the British Man Of War (a few steps from this marker); George Washington Statue (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Lafayette Park and Square (about 500 feet away); The Grotto Bridge (about 500 feet away); The Old Police Station / Park House in Lafayette Park (about 700 feet away); Welcome to Lafayette Square! (approx. ¼ mile away); Lafayette Square (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in St. Louis.
Photographed By Jason Voigt, September 18, 2019
2. 1876 Lafayette Park Music Pavilion Marker
Bandstand structure in the background
Photographed By Jason Voigt, September 18, 2019
3. Lafayette Park Music Pavilion
Pieces of the structure that are still standing
Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 24, 2019, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 322 times since then and 27 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 24, 2019, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
