In 1824, the people of Lexington awaited a major milestone: the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Lexington and the Revolutionary War. Also anticipating this occasion was one of the last surviving war heroes of that generation: General Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette. The celebrated soldier made one last visit back to the United States to tour the expanding country and celebrate its past. Now, join us on the 200th anniversary of Lafayette’s visit, on the original site, to see how Lexingtonians in the early 19th  century welcomed celebrated war heroes! Using extensive research, we will recreate the original program of this event. The General will be welcomed by the townspeople with bells ringing and cannons firing, followed by presentations by notable townsfolk of the period.

To brush up on your Lafayette history, be sure to stop by Munroe Tavern to view The President & Le General, a special satellite of our Lexington Celebrates exhibition. Artifacts from Lafayette’s visit are on display, including the iconic banner hung over Massachusetts Avenue reading “Welcome, Friend of America.”

Image: Portrait of Marquis de Lafayette, Stairwell Room, Maryland State House, Annapolis, MD

This event explores our region’s revolutionary past! Learn about Freedom’s Way 250 and discover the many ways the Heritage Area and its partners are commemorating and celebrating our nation’s semiquincentennial anniversary.