The Town of Culpeper, Virginia’s Celebration of the Return of General Lafayette!

Saturday, August 23, 2025
9:30–11:00 a.m. Greenwood Reception

MILITARY RECEPTION FOR GENERAL LAFAYETTE, FORMER PRESIDENT JAMES MONROE AND
ENTOURAGE AT HISTORIC GREENWOOD

Come watch General Lafayette and President Monroe arrive in a horse-drawn carriage just as they did 200 years ago after leaving President Madison at Montpelier for the final time and arriving at historic Greenwood, home of Judge John Williams Green for a military reception. The entourage will be escorted by mounted color guards, including the 1st Virginia Cavalry and First Troop Philadelphia City Cavalry. General Lafayette will greet each Revolutionary War soldier as he did in 1825, then address the crowd of spectators alongside the Executive Director of American Friends of Lafayette and town and county officials. Spectators will be treated to period music, a complimentary iced apple toddy in a souvenir cup, and a docent-guided house tour of Greenwood, where they can view period antiques and Lafayette memorabilia. This is an invitation event with 50 spaces reserved for AFL members—register soon! Free parking in Greenwood’s north field.

11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m Town of Culpeper Civic Reception

PUBLIC RECEPTION FOR GENERAL LAFAYETTE, FORMER PRESIDENT JAMES MONROE AND
ENTOURAGE IN DOWNTOWN CULPEPER.

Join General Lafayette and former President Monroe as they greet the citizenry of Culpeper as they did 200 years ago. The crowd will gather in the public square in front of the Museum of Culpeper History, welcomed by Eastern View High School and Culpeper County High School bands playing “A New March for Lafayette” first composed in 1825 to celebrate Lafayette’s return to America. General Lafayette will address the crowd and invite them to participate in a series of afternoon events. Free of charge and complimentary parking in downtown lot.

12:30–5:00 p.m Town of Culpeper Events
PUBLIC EVENTS IN HONOR OF GENERAL LAFAYETTE’S VISIT, TO INCLUDE:

• Specially curated exhibit of Lafayette’s Culpeper visit at the Museum of Culpeper History featuring local highlights
• American Friends of Lafayette traveling exhibit on display at the Museum of Culpeper History
• Walking tour of sites visited by General Lafayette in 1825, hosted by local historian and published author
• Public reception at the Fairfax Masonic Lodge No. 43 to meet General Lafayette and have a photo opportunity
• Complimentary craft activity at the Museum of Culpeper History
• A 2:00 p.m. performance by EVHS and CCHS combined choirs on the balcony of Grass Rootes Restaurant on Davis Street
• A complimentary wine tasting
• Educational coloring contest for children and scavenger hunt for families, including a passport program delineating sites visited by Lafayette and a special “reward” for returning a fully stamped passport to the Culpeper Visitor’s Center in the Depot
• Discounts and special offerings by local merchants along Davis and Main Streets
• All activities are free of charge with complimentary parking in downtown lot.

5:00 – 7:00 p.m. and beyond: Dining in Culpeper
LOCAL RESTAURANTS WILL OFFER FRENCH-THEMED MENU ITEMS IN HONOR OF GENERAL LAFAYETTE’S VISIT TO CULPEPER

7:00–11:00 p.m. Grand Lafayette Ball

In 1825, the town of Culpeper celebrated Lafayette’s visit with a Grand Ball at Bell’s Tavern on Main Street. It was such a well-attended affair that Town leaders erected a tent in the courtyard to accommodate all guests. It has been described as the largest event of the 19th century hosted by the Town of Culpeper. In 1925, the Culpeper DAR Chapter hosted a Grand Ball at the Kettle Club to commemorate the 1825 visit. The DAR used the proceeds from the Ball to fund the Culpeper Minute Men Memorial which still stands on Main Street. In 2025, the Culpeper Minute Men are hosting a Grand Ball at Mountain Run Winery, just a short distance from downtown Culpeper. Enjoy English country dancing with a caller to a live quartet. Featuring heritage-styled hors d’oeuvres and spirits and additional activities. Period costumes (Colonial to Romantic), formal or military attire recommended.

This is a ticketed event.

Sunday, August 24, 2025
11:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Colonial Allied Services Cup

To celebrate America’s French Alliance and in honor of General Lafayette’s Bicentennial visit, Liberty Hall Polo Club is hosting the 1st Annual Colonial Allied Services Cup.  This special event will be a friendly polo tournament between US Armed Forces and French Armed Forces members.  The Championship match will be held at Liberty Hall’s grass field amphitheater on August 24, 2025.  VIP tents, tailgating, and general admission will be offered for this event.  The teams will also be playing a series of preliminary games, both arena and outdoor, on Thursday and Friday proceeding Bicentennial events.

This is a ticketed event.

Special hotel rates at local inns and hotels.

For more details on the ticketed events, please see:

culpeperminutemen.us/lafayette-bicentennial