Lafayette Circus (Manhattan)

Lafayette Circus Theatre emerged in Manhattan in 1825 as an equestrian circus arena; in 1826–1827 it was rebuilt into a conventional theatre hall with an orchestra pit and advanced rigging. It boasted equipment for both equestrian (Hippodrama) and aquatic drama. The theatre was destroyed by fire in 1829. Lafayette Circus (named after the Marquis de Lafayette) was built on the corner of Laurens Street (now West Broadway) and Grand Street by Charles W. Sandford. He led an eccentric life from 1796–1878 as one of New York’s favorite socialites. As a great lawyer he became a member of the New York Bar Association. He was also a land developer and speculator. In 1822, Charles Sanford started buying up parcels of land on Canal and Laurens St. to create a new business center on the northern edge of the city. His plan was that if the block of buildings could be successfully rented out as offices, stores and residences, he could turn a handsome profit as their value increased. The added luxury of a circus would make the surrounding land even more valuable and increase the number of visitors to the district. The newly erected theatre became the main attraction of a newly developed neighborhood. On February 27, 1825 the first ever Hippodramatic show on American soil premiered at the Lafayette when the last two acts of Richard III were staged with horses. Hippodrama, part drama and part cir

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