Virginia Abbott

Marie-Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier de Lafayette,

Marquis de Lafayette

Hero of the American Revolution

A French nobleman, commissioned as an officer at the age of 13, Lafayette journeyed to America because he believed in the ideals of democracy.  He became a Major General in the Continental Army and a close friend, almost a son, to General George Washington.

The Battle of Brandywine

Lafayette was not immediately given command, but acted as one of Gen. Washington’s aide-de-camps. He was at Washington’s side during the Battle of Brandywine and distinguished himself with his bravery. Although wounded during the battle, he organized a successful retreat.  Treated by Washington’s private physician, Lafayette travelled to the Sun Inn in Bethlehem for his recuperation.  After Washington's defeat at the Battle of Brandywine, much of the American army's baggage and stores were kept near the inn and many people fleeing Philadelphia stayed at the inn.  Seven hundred soldiers were treated at the Bretheren House in Bethlehem.

Lafayette was a man of great personal charm.  He quickly earned the respect and affection of his fellow soldiers.  He was eager to learn all he could from his hero, General George Washington.  Lafayette became an important part of Washington’s military family.  As the war continued, the interaction of the two men grew and expanded.  

Eventually their relationship evolved into a father and son bond.  Their two families were close for many years.  Lafayette and his son stayed with their American “family” at Mount Vernon when they visited in 1784.

Lafayette College

Lafayette was received as a hero when he returned to America in 1824.  There were great celebrations. Local citizens hoped he would visit Bethlehem, where he had recovered from his wounds after the Battle of Bradywine.  Easton sent all of its military organizations to honor the aged General,  Two hundred men left on a two-day trip, floating and rowing down the Delaware in Durham boats to Phildelphia.

James Madison Porter was one of the lucky men to speak to Lafayette and be completely awed by his encounter.  Soon after this meeting, Porter had the idea of fouding a college in Easton.  He wrote a letter that was circulated and published in the local newspaper to organize the procurement of a charter of incorporation.  According the the secretary, Jacob Weygandt Jr., the  group met and discussed the possibility of establishing a college. Col. Thomas McKeen presided over the gathering.  It was resolved , “That as a testimony of respect for the talents, virtues and signal services of General La Fayette in the great cause of freedon, the said institution be named, ‘La Fayette.’”

James Armistead was a slave who served the Continental Army in Revolution as a spy and  double agent. With his master’s consent, Armistead volunteered in 1781 to join the army. He served under  Lafayette, reporting on the activities first of Benedict Arnold and then of Lord Cornwallis during the run-up to theBattle of Yorktown.. He was able to pass on information about troop movements and strategies, he also fed false information to the British.

In 1786, with the support of his master William Armistead – then a member of the House of Delegates – and carrying a 1784 testimonial of his service from the Marquis de Lafayette, James petitioned the Virginia Assembly for his freedom. On January 9, 1787, the Assembly granted the petition. At that time he chose to add "Lafayette" to his name, to honor the general. 

D. C. French

Daniel Chester French was one of the most prolific and acclaimed American sculptors of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.  He was a founding member of the National Sculpture Soicety. His works include the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC, and many historical pieces throughout the United States. He designed the Pulitzer Prize gold medals presented to laureates.  His statue of Lafayette captures the strength and classical beauty of the man.

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