Lafayette Square is one of three squares laid out in Joseph Elliott's original city plan. First known as Court House Park it was renamed in honor of General Lafayette, who visited the city in 1825. As the central square of the city it has been at the center of much of the local history. It has been the site of political and sports rallies and is the site of Soldiers and Sailors monument, remembering those who died in the Civil War. Today it is home to the summer concert series “Thursday at the Square” hosting a wide variety of musical artists.
Visit the Wikipedia article for much more of this locations long, interesting history. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lafayette_Square,_Buffalo