Revolutionary War Hero Beloved In Bucks: Phun Philly Phacts

BUCKS COUNTY, PA —We all know that George Washington slept here.

The good general bunked down at Summerseat, the historic home in Morrisville. It was Washington's headquarters as he was planning to defend Philadelphia from the British.

But another Revolutionary War hero is also beloved in Bucks. And he wasn't even from this country.

Marquis de Lafayette is so connected with Bristol Borough that he's being honored with a parade on Sunday.

The French nobleman and military officer volunteered to join Washington and the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. He later commanded troops in the Siege of Yorktown in 1781, which led to the British surrender and American independence.

Lafayette first got to know Bristol Borough during the war, when he was treated for an injury in the Battle of Brandywine by the wife of Charles Bessonett.

After returning to France, Lafayette became a key figure in the French Revolution of 1789 and the July Revolution of 1830.

But it was his return to the United States that sealed Bristol Borough's love affair with the celebrated war hero.

Lafayette’s legendary 1824 Farewell Tour was a visit that ignited America's passion for liberty, equality, and unity.

Sunday's celebration is part of the National Lafayette 200 Celebration, a 13-month-long bicentennial honoring Lafayette’s triumphant return to the United States.

In 1824, the United States was recovering from a divisive presidential election.

President James Monroe believed that a visit from the beloved General Lafayette, the last surviving Revolutionary War general, would help unite a fractured nation.

Lafayette’s tour of the then 24 states was meant to reignite the country's patriotism and celebrate its 50th anniversary. His return was met with overwhelming affection, with parades, balls, and celebrations in every city he visited.

Bristol, with its rich history as a hub of commerce and transportation along the Delaware River, was an important stop on this tour.

The town’s motto, “Welcome Friend,” dates back to Lafayette’s visit, and this spirit of hospitality and warmth continues to define the community today. From its roots as a colonial settlement to its prominence during the Industrial Revolution, Bristol Borough has long played a vital role in the region’s history.

On Sunday, Bristol Borough will pay tribute to Lafayette to leave even more of the hero's lasting legacy.

Lafayette himself (portrayed by Mark Schneider) in a horse-drawn carriage will appear in the parade as the "piece de resistance."

In addition, Bristol Borough Mayor Ralph DiGuiseppe III will unveil a new Lafayette Street sign marker, created by Kitsie Saldan, a member of the Bristol Cultural and Historical Foundation.

The grand finale of the celebration will be the unveiling and dedication of a beautiful new, Lafayette Mural (pictured above).

The artwork, created by renowned muralist Jared Bader, has been generously gifted by BMP Development Co. and will stand as a lasting testament to Lafayette's visit, cementing Bristol Borough’s role in America’s historic journey toward freedom.