Time to Celebrate!
In March 2025, Fayetteville, N.C., will celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Marquis de Lafayette’s Farewell Tour of America after he helped liberate the young nation from England during the American Revolutionary War.
The Marquis was born into wealth and privilege but came to America when he was just 20 to fight because he believed in America’s growing struggle for independence. Upon arrival in 1777, he was appointed a major general in the U.S. Continental Army despite his young age and lack of combat experience.
Under Gen. George Washington's leadership, he played a crucial role in several battles, including the Battle at Valley Forge and the Siege of Yorktown in 1781, ultimately deciding the Revolutionary War.
Lafayette was invited back to America 40 years later, in 1825, by President Andrew Jackson for a Farewell Tour to honor the Frenchman's pivotal role in America’s independence. Fayetteville was one of the tour stops and the only American city named after Lafayette that he actually visited.
Two centuries later, America is honoring Lafayette again with a year-long observance of his Farewell Tour across America. Hundreds of events are planned in major cities and smaller towns, all of which still brim with pride that America’s favorite fighting Frenchman came through their municipality to say a final goodbye.
A Celebration of Friendship and Freedom
The Marquis de Lafayette’s Farewell Tour celebration will be more than just a commemoration of a historical figure; it will also celebrate the enduring values of friendship, freedom, and mutual respect that Lafayette championed.
As Fayetteville honors its namesake, the city invites residents and visitors alike to partake in this once-in-a-lifetime event, reflecting on the shared history that continues to shape our present and future.
Join us in March 2025 as we commemorate this historic milestone and pay tribute to the legacy of the Marquis de Lafayette, a true friend of America!
To learn more or to purchase tickets for Lafayette’s Farewell Tour events, please visit www.lafayettesociety.org.