Greenwich To Mark 200th Anniversary Of Lafayette’s 'Victory Lap'

GREENWICH, CT — To honor the contributions of the Marquis de Lafayette in the American Revolutionary War, the Greenwich Historical Society, in collaboration with the Alliance Francaise, The Horseneck Chapter of the DAR, and support from the town and several local restaurants, will host a celebratory event on Aug. 19 for the anniversary of Lafayette’s visit to Greenwich in 1824.

Part of a farewell tour of America that Lafayette conducted in 24 states, the visit was on the invitation of President James Monroe to honor Lafayette’s heroism and success as a military leader in the revolution and to see the country he helped create as it was preparing for its 50th anniversary. His swing through Greenwich was the first stop in his Connecticut "victory lap."

The Aug. 19 event, which is free and open to the public, will take place at Greenwich Historical Society from 10 a.m. to noon and will feature a Marquis de Lafayette re-enactor, and keynote remarks by Chuck Schwam, executive director of the American Friends of Lafayette, and descendant Virginie de Lafayette.

Visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy a special informational exhibit, view relevant collections and documents in the library and archives, enjoy French pastries and music, watch a film and have photos taken with the Marquis de Lafayette.

"We are proud to be in partnership with the Greenwich Historical Society and the Alliance Francaise Greenwich as we celebrate this 200th anniversary of Marquis de Lafayette's visit to Greenwich in 1824," said Horseneck DAR Chapter member Wynn McDaniel in a news release.

"I believe it is important to never forget those that fought for our independence so many years ago and an important aspect of our success in the war was our special relationship with France. The Battle of Yorktown in 1781 was a turning point in our Revolutionary War and General Lafayette was a key figure in that battle," McDaniel added. "In 1824, the Marquis de Lafayette was the only living general from the Revolutionary War and was greeted by thousands in his journey across the U.S. This celebration in Greenwich represents a wonderful opportunity for our Town to recognize this amazing patriot."

Greenwich Historical Society Executive Director and CEO Debry Mecky called it "a great privilege" to host the ceremony.

"While his contributions to the war effort were exemplary and well known, his support of human rights and social justice causes that spanned antislavery and Native American and women’s rights were impressive, and important to acknowledge on this special anniversary," Mecky said in a news release.

There will be several events leading up to the celebration, including a hand-off event at the NY/Greenwich border in Port Chester on Aug. 18 at 6 p.m., and a French flag-raising ceremony at Greenwich Town Hall, with a proclamation by First Selectman Fred Camillo on Aug. 19 at 9 a.m.

For more information and to register for the event at Greenwich Historical Society located at 47 Strickland Road, click here.