The Marquis de Lafayette In Suffolk, Va

In 1824, at the invitation of President James Monroe, General Lafayette, beloved patriot of the American Revolution and liaison to the French King, returned to the United States for a farewell tour as a “Guest of the Nation”. As part of a 13-month-long tour through all 24 states, he spent the night in Suffolk, Virginia on February 25, 1825 where he enjoyed a banquet in his honor and the gratitude and hospitality of Suffolk’s citizens. The following day he dined in Somerton, Virginia (now part of Suffolk) while enroute to North Carolina.
Suffolk Lafayette Bicentennial Co-Chairs, Frank Womble, board member of The American Friends of Lafayette, and Gloria Womble, of Constantia Chapter National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, help us retrace his steps during this historic stay.
To learn more about this fascinating and influential man and to participate in the festivities celebrating the 200th anniversary of his visit to Suffolk, VA go to:
www.suffolkva2...
/ suffolkvalafayettebice...
www.lafayette2...
Upcoming events:
Exhibit- “Celebrate Lafayette: Soldier, Statesman, Champion of Human Rights”
Free- to register for upcoming presentations, visit suffolkcenter.org
Location: Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts, Suffolk, VA
1/23/25- 3/1/25- (Tues-Sat. 10-4) The exhibit includes memorabilia from the Farewell Tour.
Welcome Ceremony- Living History Event
Free/Family Friendly
Suffolk Visitor Center and Riddick’s Folly House Museum
2/23/25 1-4PM- Lafayette will arrive by carriage where he will be formally welcomed and will address attendees about his experiences in Suffolk during the American Revolution.
Lafayette Banquet
Ticked Event/Sold Out
Hilton Garden Inn Suffolk Riverfront 100 E Constance Rd. Suffolk, VA
2/25/25 from 6pm-9pm
The Mayor of Suffolk will formally welcome Lafayette. The dinner will begin with the 13 original toasts given 200 years ago. Guests will be entertained with period music by the brass quartet, Music of the Regiment. Local historian and AFL Vice-President, Robert Kelly, will deliver the keynote address.
Reception at the Washington Smith Ordinary
Free
Location: 8442 Arthur Drive, Suffolk, VA
2/26/25- 11:00 am-12:00 pm
Lafayette will be welcomed on the grounds of the only building still standing in Suffolk that he visited 200 years ago. He will be formally introduced to the Murfreesboro, NC delegation. An informal reception will be hosted by Constantia Chapter, NSDAR.
Thank you to the Arthur Family for permission to film on their property.
Special thanks to Frank and Gloria Womble for their tireless and passionate pursuit to honor Suffolk’s history through the story of Lafayette.

[@kermit5864]

Beautiful video memorializing a magnificent event!