Welcome to Washington, Lafayette

On October 12, 1824, the marquis de Lafayette arrived in the capital city of Washington for the first time during his thirteen-month farewell tour of the United States. Upon his arrival to the nation’s capital, he was paraded into the city, welcomed by the mayor in the rotunda of the U.S. Capitol, and feted with fireworks throughout the city. Join us and the American Friends of Lafayette for a special reception commemorating Lafayette’s arrival in Washington. Guests can greet Lafayette, view our current exhibition, Fete Lafayette: A French Hero’s Tour of the American Republic, and enjoy hors d’oeuvres and refreshments while toasting the Frenchman’s momentous first visit to the federal city.