Downtown in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Demonstration

Lafayette Park

— National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior —

Demonstration Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Ray Gurganus, July 31, 2021

1. Demonstration Marker

Inscription.
Lafayette Park has long served as a place for political and social demonstrations. People continue to exercise their right of free speech here, using Lafayette Park as a stage and the White House as their audience. Demonstrations often take the form of nighttime vigils, marches, picketing, and other peaceful means of public awareness.

One of the most historically significant demonstrations occurred during the fight for women's suffrage. On January 10, 1917, a group of suffragists left the National Woman's Party headquarters, located at Cameron House on the eastern side of the square, to promote their cause. The suffragists became the first people to picket the White House.

Many suffragists were fined and imprisoned for their actions. Women finally gained the right to vote with the ratification and certification of the Nineteenth Amendment on August 26, 1920. Ever since, people have gathered in Lafayette Park to demonstrate and raise awareness for their cause.

Erected 2021 by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior in partnership with the White House Historical Association.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Civil Rights • Communications • Women. A significant historical date for this entry is January 10, 1917.

Location.

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38° 54.003′ N, 77° 2.197′ W. Marker is in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia. It is in Downtown. Marker is at the intersection of H Street Northwest and 16th Street Northwest / Black Lives Matter Plaza, on the right when traveling east on H Street Northwest. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1600 H St NW, Washington DC 20006, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Construction of the White House (here, next to this marker); Commemoration and Preservation (here, next to this marker); The Bernard Baruch Bench of Inspiration (within shouting distance of this marker); St. John's Church (within shouting distance of this marker); Andrew Jackson (within shouting distance of this marker); Ashburton House (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Baron von Steuben Memorial (about 300 feet away); Kosciuszko (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Northwest Washington.

The White House Markers image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Ray Gurganus, July 31, 2021

2. The White House Markers

Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 31, 2021, by Ray Gurganus of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 141 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 31, 2021, by Ray Gurganus of Washington, District of Columbia. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.