On August 16, 1824, over 80,000 people lined the streets of Manhattan to welcome back a French hero of the American Revolution. President James Monroe had invited Lafayette, the last living major general from the Revolutionary War, to tour the United States and celebrate the nation's 50th anniversary. Dubbed the “Nation’s Guest,” Lafayette was greeted with parades, balls, dinners, and other events across 24 states. What began as a four -month tour turned into a 13-month expedition across the nation he helped win independence .
Before His Return?
The Marquis de Lafayette embodied an adventurous spirit. As a teenager, he became passionate about the American Revolution and journeyed to America to join the American cause. Lafayette’s leadership helped turn the tide toward American victory. Besides his battlefield prowess, he was instrumental in persuading France to join the American cause.In 1781, Lafayette pursued the British General Cornwallis’ army to Virginia. Despite Congress's hesitation, his earnestness and offer to serve at his own expense earned him the rank of major general, serving without pay. He quickly formed a strong bond with George Washington, who regarded Lafayette as a son. At Yorktown, Lafayette helped corner Britain’s Lord Cornwallis, whose surrender after several days of siege was a decisive blow that ensured American victory.
With the Frenchman’s crucial help, the Americans won the Battle of Yorktown and, ultimately, the Revolutionary War.
During his service, Lafayette became enormously popular in the United States. He returned in 1824 to an ecstatic reception.
A Celebration for the Frenchman of Our Revolution
“On the morning of the 20th, we began to proceed to Williamsburg, former capital of the State of Virginia… the General was welcomed with great emotion and had the pleasure to embrace a rather large number of old friends with whom he passed the day.”
- Auguste Levasseur, Private Secretary to General Lafayette
On Sunday, October 20th at 1 p.m., the Williamsburg community gathers in the Historic Area to celebrate the 200th anniversary of Lafayette’s triumphant return. A celebratory carriage procession and ceremony on the steps of the Colonial Courthouse will honor the “Nation’s Guest” with tributes from the 18th, 19th, and 21st centuries. The event will feature the Colonial Williamsburg Fifes & Drums, Nation Builders, community leaders, the Walsingham Academy Madrigals, and a cannon salute by the Virginia State Garrison Regiment.
During his anniversary tour, the Marquis de Lafayette, portrayed by Mark Schneider, will make several stops. See the full list of dates below:
- Aug. 16, 2024: New York City
- Sept. 28, 2024: Philadelphia
- Oct. 17, 2024: Mount Vernon, VA (Washington’s tomb)
- Oct. 19, 2024: Yorktown Victory Day
- Oct. 20, 2024: Williamsburg, VA
- Nov. 15-17, 2024: Charlottesville, VA (Monticello, Montpelier, and UVA)
- March 4, 2025: Fayetteville, NC (the only city Lafayette ever visited named after him)
- April 11, 2025: New Orleans
- April 29, 2025: St. Louis
- Sept. 8, 2025: Washington, D.C.
Special Programming on October 20
Discover the Untold Stories
If you know the story of the victory at Yorktown, you know the Marquis de Lafayette. But did you know it was an enslaved double agent, James, who provided Lafayette with the British plans? His bravery helped win the war, secured his freedom, and led to a lifelong friendship with Lafayette, whose name James later adopted.
Their victory cemented a lasting nation and a lasting friendship.
Born into slavery in New Kent and enslaved by William Armistead by the time of the American Revolution, James served as an errand-runner for Lafayette but soon became a double agent. The secrets he brought back from behind enemy lines helped secure the victory at Yorktown. When James petitioned the Virginia legislature for his freedom, Lafayette wrote a testimonial in his support. Decades later, when Lafayette returned from France for a celebration in Richmond, he saw the aged James in the crowd. Lafayette called out to James, who had since taken the name Lafayette, and they embraced. Their story is one of many you can discover at the place where America’s founding is still being found.
Learn more about James Armistead Lafayette and other fascinating people from America’s founding when you visit Colonial Williamsburg.
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Further Reading
- Unger, Harlow Giles. Lafayette. Hoboken: John Wiley & Sons, 2002.
- Levasseur, A. Trans. John D. Godman. Lafayette in America in 1824 and 1825; or, Journal of a Voyage to the United States. Philadelphia: Carey and Lea, 1829.
- Salmon, John. “James Lafayette (ca. 1748-1830).” Encyclopedia Virginia. https://encyclopediavirginia.org/entries/lafayette-james-ca-1748-1830/.