Marquis de Lafayette

Home George Washington Marquis de Lafayette
Marquis de Lafayette
Biography Relationship with Washington The Key to the Bastille
Youth French & Indian War Revolutionary War Constitution First President Martha Washington Slavery Native Americans Religion Family

The young Marquis arrived in America at the age of 19 ready to serve the cause of liberty in the American Revolution. He quickly became part of Washington’s military family and over the years, their relationship grew to that of a father and his adoptive son.

George Washington met the nineteen-year-old Marquis de Lafayette on August 5, 1777, less than a week after the Continental Congress appointed the young Frenchman to be a volunteer Major General in the Continental Army. Lafayette was assigned to serve on Washington's staff. Lafayette, one of the richest young men in France, left his home country on March 25, 1777, filled with desire to fight against the British in the American Revolution. Marquis de Lafayette became a valued member of General Washington's close-knit military family.

Learn More about Washington and Lafayette

Who Was Marquis de Lafayette?

Who Was Marquis de Lafayette?

One of the richest young men in France, Marquis de Lafayette left his home country on March 25, 1777, filled with desire to fight against the British in the American Revolution.

Learn More
Lafayette's Plan for Ending Slavery

Lafayette's Plan for Ending Slavery

In the closing days of the American Revolution, the Marquis de Lafayette wrote his old commander George Washington suggesting an experiment: the two would purchase land where enslaved people could then work as free tenants.

Learn More
Lafayette at Valley Forge

Lafayette at Valley Forge

The Marquis de Lafayette spent most of December 1777 and January 1778 with George Washington and his Continental Army troops at their winter quarters at Valley Forge.

Learn More

From Enemies to Allies

How Washington Won Over the French

How Washington Won Over the French

Washington's relationship with the French evolved over the course of an action-packed lifetime.

Learn More

Lafayette on Washington's Legacy

One of the earliest prominent visitors to Washington’s tomb was his close friend, colleague and military partner during the American Revolution, the Marquis de Lafayette.

One of the earliest prominent visitors to Washington’s tomb was his close friend, colleague and military partner during the American Revolution, the Marquis de Lafayette.

The young Marquis arrived in America at the age of 19 ready to serve the cause of liberty in the American Revolution. He quickly became part of Washington’s military family and over the years, their relationship grew to that of a father and his adoptive son.

When Lafayette was imprisoned during the French Revolution, he sent his son, Georges Washington Lafayette to live with President and Mrs. Washington where the he was treated as family. Although they did not see each other, the friendship between Washington and Lafayette remained closely knit through correspondence.

Learn more about Georges Washington Lafayette

 

At Washington’s death, Lafayette keenly felt the loss of a much beloved father figure as well as a symbol to the world of quiet leadership and honor.

Now or Never: The Yorktown Campaign

View Animated Presentation

Lafayette Bedchamber

This room is often referred to as the Lafayette bedchamber because it is believed that the marquis stayed here while visiting the Washingtons.

Login
Buy Tickets

Quick Links

Activities Calendar Shop Restaurant Give Membership
Estate Hours

9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

iconDirections & Parking
buy tickets online & save