3,000 jam Beaufort to celebrate bicentennial of Lafayette’s first visit in 1825
A hero from the American Revolution, who was once was one of the most famous men in America despite hailing from France, can still draw a crowd in 2025. That was proved Tuesday when thousands in history-crazy Beaufort crammed into Waterfront Park and lined both sides of Bay Street for a glimpse of Marquis de Lafayette, a French aristocrat who backed the colonies in their war for independence and gained prominence on the battlefield serving under Gen. George Washington.
Lafayette, who died at 76 in 1834, is played by historic interpreter Mark Schneider.
With the historic landmark Woods Memorial Bridge as a backdrop, the historic figure Lafayette arrived by boat where he was greeted by a Howitzer cannon blast, cheers from those who lined the boardwalk and a handshake from by Lt. Col. Christopher Lyon of the Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort.
Lyon escorted the man playing the major general who commanded troops in the Continental Army down the boardwalk overlooking the Beaufort River where he received a ceremonial key to the city from Mayor Phil Cromer. A procession down Bay Street ensued.
Fiery orations from Marquis, book-ended the proceedings
His voice rising, Lafayette, standing on the porch of the John Mark Verdier House, told the people standing on Bay Street that it would be his prayer “that one day all might be welcome under the banner of American freedom despite the color of their skin, who their parents are or how much money they have within their pocket but simply by what they can do and offer to this great nation.”
Lafayette may have spoke from this same house when he visited the city 200 years ago.
Many residents of the historic city were dressed in period costumes including top hats and canes for the men and long dresses and feathered hats for the ladies.
“I love this stuff — plus I like to dress up,” said Marta Rodriguez, who sported a flashy black hat with feathers, a flowing red dress and a shawl with gold trim.
The costumes and the pomp were all part of a celebration of the 200th anniversary of Lafayette’s stop in Beaufort on March 18, 1825. The stop was one of 100 that Lafayette made across the East Coast in 1824-25 at the behest of President James Madison to mark the 50th anniversary of the end of the Revolutionary War and to boost patriotism and unity. At the time, La Fayette, the last living major general from Washington’s staff, was still well known across the country.
The bicentennial of Lafayette’s 13-month “Farewell Tour of the Nation is now being celebrated in the same communities.
Lafayette had no trouble landing by boat this time around but his stop was delayed until late at night because of high tides 200 years ago.
The cannon blast and a musket salute, both courtesy of the Sons of the American Revolution, rang out after Lafayette stepped off the boat onto the waterfront dock.
“I salute you for the service to this great nation in achieving American independence,” Lafayette said to cheers.
An estimated 3,000 people turned out for the re-creation of Lafayette’s visit, City Manager Scott Marshall said.
The crowd included 250 students from northern Beaufort County schools. Many wore the triangular tricorn hats popular in the 18th Century and waived flags.
“They’re loving it,” said Karen McKenzie, director of teaching and learning at Beaufort public schools.
America’s original song, before the Star-Spangled Banner came along, “Hail Columbia,” was resurrected for the ceremony and performed by Josh Hamilton of Beaufort.
Lafayette was 67 when he visited Beaufort. He died nine years later, on May 20, 1834, in Paris and was buried in Picpus Cemetery with soil from Bunker Hill. On Aug. 7, 2002, Congress made Lafayette an honorary citizen of the United States, an honor afforded to only eight individuals, including Winston Churchill.
This story was originally published March 18, 2025 at 3:38 PM.
