Lafayette 200
Bicentennial of Lafayette’s Farewell Tour
In the middle of commemorating the nation’s 250th anniversary and the American Revolution comes another milestone celebration. Kicking off August 16, 2024, will be the 200th anniversary of Major General Marquis de Lafayette’s return to the United States.
In 1824, President James Monroe invited the last living American General from the Revolutionary War on a tour to the popular cities to celebrate the nation’s 50th anniversary. As the “Nation’s Guest”, Lafayette was welcomed by Americans in the 24 states with parades, balls, dinners and other celebratory events. What started as a three-month tour became a 13-month expedition across the nation he helped gain independence for.
Now 200 years later, the American Friends of Lafayette will be hosting festivals, educational programing, and remembrances at the locations in the exact order he traveled in 1824 and 1825. This bicentennial tour will find Lafayette visiting the following stops in Virginia from October 15 – December 7, 2024:
Virginia Capitol – Richmond
October 15
Arlington
October 16
Alexandria
October 17, 2024
Mount Vernon
October 18 – 19
Yorktown
October 20 – 21
Williamsburg
October 22
Jamestown & Norfolk
October 23 – 24
Norfolk
October 24
Fort Monroe
October 25
Portsmouth
October 26 – 28
Norfolk
Norfolk’s Bicentennial Ball – October 26
October 29
Petersburg
November 1
Richmond
November 2
Goochland
November 3
Richmond
November 15
University of Virginia – Charlottesville
November 16
Montpelier
November 17
Monticello
November 23 – 24
Fredericksburg
November 29
Fort Belvoir
December 6
Woodlawn
December 7
Arlington