Bicentennial of the Marquis de Lafayette’s Farewell Tour of the United States

In 1824, the Marquis de Lafayette embarked on a historic Farewell Tour of the United States. Over the course of 13 months, the celebrated French hero of the American Revolution visited all 24 of the then-United States of America. He received a hero’s welcome in state capitals and frontier towns alike and was hailed as a symbol of France’s enduring friendship with the U.S., as well as the two countries’ shared love of liberty and democracy. During his tour, Lafayette laid the cornerstone of the Bunker Hill Monument in Massachusetts, met with the founding fathers, and advocated passionately for the abolition of slavery—reflecting his lifelong commitment to human rights.

At a time when the young nation was deeply divided by a contentious presidential election, Lafayette’s tour served as a unifying force, reigniting a shared sense of pride, patriotism and connection to the principles on which the United States was founded.

The Embassy of France in the U.S. is proud to commemorate the bicentennial of this monumental journey in 2024 and 2025. Together with partners including the American Friends of Lafayette and The Lafayette Trail, we are organizing a series of nationwide events to honor Lafayette’s legacy. Join us in celebrating this remarkable chapter of history and reflecting on the enduring strength of the French-American alliance.