Virginia celebrates bicentennial of Marquis de Lafayette’s Farewell Tour
French hero’s legacy shines as a beacon of unity in a divided America
Contact:
Mike Frontiero
mfrontiero@va250.virginia.gov
Kat Smith
kat@lafayette200.org
RICHMOND, VA (September 30, 2024) – Virginia is gearing up to celebrate the 200th anniversary of Major General Marquis de Lafayette’s farewell tour, a historic event that captivated a nation and brought Americans together during a time of political and social division not unlike the present.
Lafayette, the French hero who played a crucial role in the American Revolution, returned to the United States in 1824 at the invitation of President James Monroe. His tour was a whirlwind of celebrations, parades, and festivities as Americans honored the last living American general from the Revolutionary War.
“Lafayette’s visit was a beacon of unity in a time of division,” said Cheryl Wilson, VA250 Executive Director. “His story reminds us that even in the face of challenges, we can come together to celebrate our shared history and values. As we approach our nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026, Lafayette’s legacy offers a powerful inspiration for a more united future.”
To mark this historic occasion, the American Friends of Lafayette will be hosting festivals, educational programming, and remembrances at locations Lafayette visited during his original tour. These events, along with many others, will provide opportunities for Virginians to learn about Lafayette’s legacy and his enduring connection to the Commonwealth.
Join us as we re-trace Lafayette’s footsteps, explore his legacy, and experience the spirit of a nation united by gratitude.
Virginia events on the bicentennial tour include:
- Through November 21: Williamsburg | Lafayette’s honorary degree on display
- Starting October 2: Portsmouth | Lafayette Wednesdays (every Wednesday in October)
- October 5: Portsmouth | Lafayette in Hampton Roads Lecture
- October 5-6: Alexandria | Walking Tour with Historian Elizabeth Reese
- October 9: Norfolk | Freedom’s Friendship: Monroe and Lafayette
- October 12: Portsmouth | Tidewater Winds Brass Quintet
- October 14: Arlington | Lafayette at Arlington: A Bicentennial Celebration
- October 16: Alexandria | Lecture: The Marquis de Lafayette Returns (The Lyceum)
- October 17: Fairfax County | Lafayette at Mount Vernon
- October 17: Fairfax County | Lunch at the Library: Marquis de Lafayette Returns
- October 17: Alexandria | Lafayette Dinner
- October 17: NPR’s Another View – Barbara Hamm Lee talks Lafayette with James Fayette and Frederick Douglass on 5 WHRV-FM
- October 17: Norfolk | Free viewing of the PBS documentary “Lafayette the Lost Hero”
- October 18: Yorktown | Lafayette arrives at the Riverwalk Landing Pier on the Luna
- October 18: Portsmouth | Heart of Lafayette Beer Unveiling
- October 19: Yorktown | Lafayette at Yorktown Day
- October 19: Yorktown | Yorktown Victory Celebration at American Revolution Museum at Yorktown
- October 19: Norfolk | Saint-Saëns’ Organ Symphony
- October 19: Portsmouth | Lafayette Lecture with Julie Dunn at Hill House Museum
- October 19: Portsmouth | The Maritime Dimension of Lafayette’s Return
- October 19: Portsmouth | It’s Revolutionary with Virginie Lafayette
- October 20: Colonial Williamsburg | Lafayette’s Homecoming
- October 20: Colonial Williamsburg | Celebrating Lafayette
- October 20: Colonial Williamsburg | Il Était Une Fois-Once Upon a Time
- October 20: Williamsburg | Hero of Two Worlds: An Evening with General Lafayette and Mike Duncan
- October 20: Williamsburg | Vive Lafayette! Beer Release and Wine Dinner
- October 20: Virginia Beach, VA | Saint-Saëns’ Organ Symphony
- October 22: Norfolk | Light the Elizabeth: Portsmouth & Norfolk Welcome Lafayette
- October 22: Norfolk | Sunset Schooner Cruise (SOLD OUT)
- October 23: Portsmouth | Moses Myers Remembers Lafayette
- October 24: Hampton | Welcome General Lafayette to Fort Monroe
- October 25: Portsmouth | Rededication of Lafayette Monument
- October 25: Portsmouth | Battle of Scotts Creek Reenactment
- October 25: Portsmouth | Children Greet Lafayette
- October 25: Portsmouth | Lafayette Visits Historic Emanuel AME
- October 25: Portsmouth | Lafayette Progressive Dinner
- October 26: Portsmouth | Farewell Tea with Lafayette
- October 26: Portsmouth | Lafayette’s Victory in the Battle of the Virginia Capes
- October 26: Norfolk | Lafayette Ball
- October 26: Petersburg | Revolutionary Petersburg & Lafayette, America’s Favorite Fighting Frenchman
- October 26: Petersburg | Lafayette Banquet
- October 27: Chester | Susanna Bolling & Lafayette Historical Marker Dedication
- October 27: Richmond | Lafayette at Rockett’s Landing
- October 29: Petersburg | Lafayette Trail Marker Unveiling Ceremony
- October 30: Richmond | Lafayette Visits Masons Hall Bicentennial Reenactment
- October 31: Richmond | Lafayette Special Service at Monumental Church
- November 1: Richmond | Lafayette’s Life and Ideals Webinar
- November 2: Goochland | Lafayette Trail Marker Unveiling
- November 2: Goochland | General Lafayette’s Return
- November 14: Orange | The Marquis Returns to Orange
- November 14: Upperville | Guest of The Nation: The Marquis de Lafayette
- November 15: Charlottesville | Lafayette Visits the University of Virginia
- November 15: Charlottesville | President’s Weekend at the University of Virginia Rotunda Dome
- November 16: Montpelier | Lafayette Visits James Madison’s Montpelier
- November 17: Charlottesville | Lafayette Returns to Monticello
- November 23 – 24: Fredericksburg | Lafayette Bicentennial Commemoration Weekend
- December 7: Alexandria | Lafayette at Woodlawn
- January 23: Suffolk | Opening Reception for Exhibit: Celebrating Lafayette
- February 23: Suffolk | Lafayette Welcome Ceremony
- February 25: Suffolk | Lafayette Banquet
- February 26: Suffolk | Lafayette Reception
About VA250
Established in 2020 to commemorate Virginia’s role in the 250th anniversary of American independence, the Virginia American Revolution 250 Commission (VA250) aims to form a more perfect union by educating Virginians about their history and civic duty and sharing diverse narratives that capture Virginia’s complete story and role in shaping the nation.
About The American Friends of Lafayette
The American Friends of Lafayette is an organization aware of the ideals of this great French visionary leader, the inspirational quality of his remarkable career, his contributions to our own struggle for liberty, and his ceaseless efforts to forge an eternal bond of friendship between the United States and France.
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