1896 Tornado Remembrance

It was 130 years ago that one of the worst tornados in U.S. history devasted Lafayette Park and many of the surrounding homes, churches, and commercial buildings. They were directly in the path of the tornado (known by some as “The Great Cyclone”). It was Wednesday, May 27th when this EF4 tornado tore through the bi-state metropolitan area. In addition to death and destruction, the aftermath of a natural disaster leaves many communities facing decades of disruption. For Lafayette Square, there was a long period of decline after 1896. It took 70 years before individuals in the late 1960s began to restore the 19th century homes, build replica homes on vacant lots, and focus on the care of Lafayette Park. Our restoration community is now thriving, but it took time, money, sacrifice, and sweat equity to get here.

Many of the wealthy property owners here in May 1896 had recovery resources and options available to them that are not available to most communities. We need look no further than the destruction we still see from the May 16, 2025 tornado here in St. Louis to appreciate the level of public and private investment necessary to reclaim and revitalize neighborhoods.