Marquis de Lafayette first became entranced by stories of American freedom fighters at Lexington and Concord in 1775, writes Malcolm Johnstone for County Lines Magazine.
Lafayette joined the American Revolution, as his father was killed when he was just two years old by the British. With his inheritance, Lafayette purchased a sailing boat and traveled to America, where he made his way to Philadelphia.
In Philadelphia, Lafayette was able to convince the Second Continental Congress to pass a resolution, stating that the services of Marquis de Lafayette, “be accepted, and that, in consideration of his zeal, illustrious family and connections, he have the rank and commission of major-general of the United States.”
George Washington’s alliance with Lafayette was a political opportunity, as France eventually became an ally, providing arms, ammunition, and uniforms to the Continental Army.
At the Battle of the Brandywine, Lafayette was instrumental in saving the lives of many soldiers, herding them to retreat after the battle was lost. Lafayette went on to command Continental Army troops, including the battle at Yorktown.
In 1824, Lafayette was invited back to the United States, as one of the last living survivors of the Revolution. In West Chester, he was given a spectacular welcome, his visit commemorated on Lafayette Street with a stone marker stating, “From this spot July 26, 1825, Marquis de Lafayette reviewed the troops escorting him from a visit to the Brandywine Battlefield.”
Read more about Marquis de Lafayette’s role in Chester County’s history at County Lines Magazine.
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Editor’s Note: This post first appeared on VISTA Today in June 2024.
