Lafayette Bicentennial Commemoration Begins

Fredericksburg Lafayette Bicentennial Commemoration

Scheduled for March-November 2024

As a tribute to General Lafayette, the American Revolutionary War hero, the Fredericksburg Lafayette Bicentennial Commemoration is offering many events and exhibits to mark the 200th anniversary of his historic visit.

Beginning in March 2024, a series of programs will honor this extraordinary man and his notable stay in the city, culminating in the November 23-24 Commemoration Weekend. With one exception, all events are free and open to the public.

Commemoration Weekend opens with a recreation of Lafayette’s arrival to Old Town Hall by horse and carriage, and includes period music and costumed participants, followed by a reception line with the General. Other events include walking tours of Lafayette’s Fredericksburg, the Lafayette Ball (ticketed event), a re-enactment of Lafayette’s reception at Masonic Lodge #4, a service of prayer and thanksgiving at St. George’s Episcopal Church, and displays at various museums and venues.

Starting in March, a program of lectures and exhibits will be presented in the city, beginning with the March 1 opening of Fredericksburg Area Museum’s exhibit, “Lafayette’s World: Revolutionary Ideals and the Limits of Freedom.”

Following the Museum’s exhibit opening, the Commemoration lecture series continues for several months, with programming that focuses on aspects of Lafayette’s life, his world, and his influence on the American Revolution and our early Republic.

General Lafayette was born with the title of Marie-Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier de La Fayette, but relinquished the aristocratic designation when he adopted democratic values. Gen. Lafayette served as a volunteer during the Revolution. He invested much of his personal wealth to support the war, and became an invaluable advocate to the French court.

A surrogate son to George Washington, he was also a lifelong friend to James Monroe, who, as president, invited the General to the United States for his “Farewell Tour.” At every town, he was wildly greeted, and numerous venues were named in his honor, including our own Lafayette Boulevard (previously, National Boulevard, the original Route 1).

Over time, public awareness of Lafayette’s contributions has gradually faded. For the last two years, many organizations across the country have created programs to rekindle awareness of this exceptional man, and to honor his influence in shaping the early Republic. In Fredericksburg, representatives of historic and civic organizations, the city, and historic minded volunteers have come together to create this year’s exhibits and events.

“This Commemoration is especially important to Fredericksburg, for our historic city was both the home of George Washington, and the early home of James Monroe,” said Lisa Durham, co-chair of the Fredericksburg Lafayette Bicentennial Commemoration Committee. David Durham, co-chair, added that “one of our goals is to foster awareness of Lafayette’s contributions, and Fredericksburg’s importance in his Farewell Tour.”

Information about the Commemoration is available at fxbg.com/lafayette. The website also provides links to the organizations hosting lectures and events, as well as ways that people may become involved, including opportunities for sponsorship and individual donations.

fxbg.com/lafayette/

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