In honoring the 300th Anniversary of the Historic Chester Courthouse, the Friends advisory committee invites you to celebrate this event on the Bicentennial Farewell Tour of Marquis de Lafayette. Renown for his role in supporting the American Revolution, French aristocrat who fought in the Continental Army against the British in the American Revolution. In 2024-2025, the American Friends of Lafayette will host educational programming across the U.S. and in France to commemorate the Bicentennial of Lafayette’s return to America as “Guest of the Nation.”
LAFAYETTE200: Commemorating the Bicentennial of Lafayette’s Return as “Guest of the Nation” - 2024-2025
Marquis de Lafayette was a French aristocrat who fought in the Continental Army against the British in the American Revolution, renown for his role in supporting the American Revolution.
In 1824, the United States was in the throes of a very contentious national Presidential election won by John Quincy Adams. Our country was divided and in turmoil. At this time President James Monroe thought that if he invited Lafayette, the last surviving Major General of the American Revolution, it might foster unity and renew patriotism among our citizens, especially as the Nation approached the 50th anniversary of its independence.
At the time, many U.S. citizens knew that Lafayette had been involved in other revolutions in Europe and South America and had been imprisoned for over five years as a result of the French Revolution. During and after the American Revolution, Lafayette strongly supported human rights for all, especially religious freedom, Native American rights, equality for women, freedom of the press, and penal reform. He was a leading abolitionist of his time and always fought for Liberty, Equality, and Freedom.
Lafayette arrived in New York on August 16, 1824, inspired four days and nights of continuous celebration—a response replicated during his visits to each of the states, who hosted parades, balls, dinners, and other celebratory events in his honor. What was initially intended as a three-month tour turned into 13 months as he was welcomed by all as the “Nation’s Guest!”
Commencing August 16th, 2024, and continuing through September 2025, Lafayette200 will original Farewell Tour itinerary covering the same 6000 miles and including the same 24 states and Washington D.C. There are a wide range of programming and events to celebrate and educate Americans of all ages about this great man and his long-term impact on global democracy, human rights, and the importance of peaceful civic engagement.
These important events can only be made possible through the generous financial support of partners, non-profit organizations, and corporate and group sponsors. We welcome the opportunity to have your organization or group become a partner with the America250PADelco so as to make the Chester event on the Bicentennial Farewell Tour a success!
You can learn more about or become involved with the official National Lafayette Farewell Tour Bicentennial Celebrations by connecting with The American Friends of Lafayette at lafayette200.org.