During the American Revolution, a French aristocrat who held the title “Marquis de La Fayette” joined Washington’s Continental Army in which he served as a major general. Known in America as “Lafayette”, he was a key figure in the Siege of Yorktown that set up the decisive victory that secured American independence. Later, he returned to France where he was also a major player in the French Revolution of 1789. He wrote the first draft of the French civil rights document, “Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen”. In 1824, at the invitation of President James Monroe, Lafayette returned to the United States for a farewell tour. He visited each of the twenty-four states at that time where he received an enthusiastic welcome.
On July 27 and 28, 2025, Lancaster County celebrated the 200th anniversary of the Marquis de Lafayette’s visit. The organizing committee requested members of the Lancaster Camera Club to photograph the various reenactment events in the county. I was assigned to cover the Marquis’ visit to Lafayette field, Franklin and Marshall College, and Rock Ford. What follows is a summary of those events that I covered.
After having tea at the White Gables Estate, the marquis and his entourage made their way toward Lancaster. Back in 1825, the marquis inspected a troop muster at a place called Grove Field. There is a marker commemorating that event along the Old Philadelphia Pike. But since Grove Field is no longer a field, the reenactment was moved to the nearby Lafayette Fire Company.
The troops mustered at the Lafayette Fire Hall as they waited for the Marquis’ arrival.
The Marquis Inspected the troops.
The Marquis addressed the crowd expressing his lifelong goal of promoting equal rights and freedom for all. Later, he took a ride in the ladder truck bucket, something the 1825 Marquis could never have imagined. Then he took the time to greet some young admirers in the crowd.
The 1825 Marquis travelled by horse and carriage. The 2025 incarnation rode in an updated horseless version, but a stylish one non-the-less.
After leaving Lafayette field, the Marquis rode into Lancaster to Frankin and Marshal College’s “Old Main” where he was greeted by the F&M president.
The next post will highlight the Marquis’ visit to General Hand’s Rock Ford plantation.