LAFAYETTE POST 11 HISTORY
The American Legion originated in France, by members of the American Expeditionary Forces, on March 15, 1919. The organization was chartered and incorporated by the United States Congress in September of the same year.
Lafayette Post 11 was chartered on August 1, 1920, with Kenneth Snyder serving as the first Commander. The Auxiliary followed the next year (August 28, 1922). The Sons of the Legion was chartered on May 15, 1935. The Legion Riders are the latest branch in the Lafayette Post 11 family tree.
Post 11 was housed in various locations for the first decade of it’s existence in Lafayette. From 1930 to 1955 it was located at 806 N 9th Street. The Post purchased our current property at 1801 S. 9th Street in Lafayette in 1955. At that time, the property was the location of a local nightclub, the Avalon Club. The building that presently serves as our Post has been through several additions over the years and was completed in 2003.
In the century since it’s founding, Lafayette Post 11 has been a benefactor to many non-profit organizations: American Red Cross, orphan services, athletic teams, disaster relief, families in need, children’s Christmas, Poppy Fund, Soap Box Derby, veteran support services and countless others. The American Legion, Lafayette Post 11 has donated more than one million dollars to those in need.
Sports clubs have been an important part of our history. Baseball, Elevenettes, Basketball, Drum & Bugle Corps and drill teams have won championships and done well at all levels of competition.
Our Honor Guard has provided thousands of families and organizations proper and reverent ceremonies to honor their fallen, their communities and our country. Hundreds have served with the Honor Guard over the years.
Lafayette Post 11 provides quality food and entertainment to it’s members and guests on a daily basis and has been a vital part of our Greater Lafayette community for the last 100 years; we look forward to serving our community another 100+ years.
For God and Country!