Lafayette Returns

Virginia is proudly commemorating the 200th anniversary of Major General Marquis de Lafayette’s farewell tour, a historic journey that united a nation during a time of political and social division. Just as Lafayette inspired hope and unity during his time, his legacy continues to resonate today.

LEARN MOREThe American Friends of Lafayette is playing a pivotal role, organizing a series of events and programs to commemorate Lafayette’s visit to the state in 1824-1825. The society is dedicated to preserving Lafayette’s memory and promoting Franco-American relations.

The Virginia segment of this nationwide bicentennial celebration kicked off in October with a grand event during the annual Yorktown Victory Day celebration. Recreating Lafayette’s journey, the commemoration began with the dramatic arrival of Lafayette (portrayed by Colonial Williamsburg interpreter Mark Schneider) aboard the sloop Luna.

Led by the stirring sounds of the Fifes and Drums of Yorktown, Lafayette proceeded to a special ceremony at Riverwalk Landing, accompanied by the 229th Infantry Band and a thunderous artillery salute at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown. The celebration was further enriched by the presence of Colonial Williamsburg interpreter Stephen Seals, portraying James Armistead Lafayette – a remarkable figure born enslaved in New Kent County who served as the Marquis’s trusted double agent during the Revolution.

The commemoration continued at the esteemed College of William & Mary, where a “homecoming” ceremony at the historic Wren Building marked the 200th anniversary of Lafayette receiving an honorary degree of laws. This historic document is currently on display at Swem Library’s Special Collections Research Center through November 15, alongside other rare Lafayette-related artifacts.

The Williamsburg community gathered in the Historic Area to celebrate Lafayette’s triumphant return with a grand carriage procession and a ceremony at the Colonial Courthouse. This moving tribute featured performances by the Colonial Williamsburg Fifes & Drums, appearances by inspiring Nation Builders, remarks from esteemed community leaders, the harmonious sounds of the Walsingham Academy Madrigals, and a powerful cannon salute by the Virginia State Garrison Regiment.

Throughout Lafayette’s travels, Virginia localities rolled out the red carpet and these same localities have been commemorating these moments 200 years later. On November 2, the Goochland 250 Commission hosted a brunch at Historic Tuckahoe reminiscent of Lafayette’s stop at Powell’s Tavern in 1824. On November 3, Fluvanna County put on a spectacular program at Lyles Baptist Church while the City of Norfolk created a special “Sunset Cruise” to honor the general. Click here for more upcoming local events for the Lafayette Bicentennial.

A toast at the Executive Mansion

On October 27, 1824, the Marquis de Lafayette dined with Governor James Pleasants at the Virginia Executive Mansion during his celebrated return as “Guest of the Nation.” Two hundred years later, Governor Glenn Youngkin and First Lady Suzanne Youngkin hosted a commemorative event at the mansion in partnership with the VA250 Commission and The American Friends of Lafayette. Watch the video of this special gathering highlighting the power of place and the significance of key anniversary moments during Virginia’s 250th commemoration of America’s founding.