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Bicentennial of Lafayette’s Farewell Tour Visits Delaware

October 6, 2024 @ 11:30 am 8:00 pm

Join us on an unforgettable journey as we recreate the 1824 Lafayette Farewell Tour, 200 years later. 

Witness the return of history in America as you visit local Delaware sites that Lafayette traversed in 1824 as we connect the past and the present for a must-see experience. Discover the life and legacy of this remarkable man who helped shape our country.

The Bicentennial of Lafayette’s Farewell Tour is a 13-month tour honoring the Marquis de Lafayette, a revered American Revolutionary War general. This year, on October 6, Delaware will participate in recreating Lafayette’s original US farewell tour itinerary, spanning 24 states and covering 6000 miles from August 2024 to September 2025. Welcomed by all as the Nation’s Guest!

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DELAWARE LAFAYETTE BICENTENNIAL TOUR ROUTE

Robinson House Circa 1730

1 Naamans Rd, Claymont, DE OPEN 11:30 am – 4:00 pm

Start your day at the Robinson House where Lafayette crossed the state line with a house and summer kitchen tour. View the Lafayette exhibit. Enjoy family fun activities of storytelling, children’s old-fashioned games and crafts, and wool spinning. Experience an American Revolutionary War encampment through the eyes of Lafayette. Admission: Free. On-site parking.

Brandywine Village Circa 1640

1883 Superfine Lane, Wilmington, DE OPEN 12 noon- 3 pm

Brandywine Village, the 1742 site of the first flour mill along the Brandywine will unveil a Lafayette trail marker at 1:45 pm with great fanfare. Lafayette visited the site in 1777, 1803, and 1824 during his Farewell Tour. The day will include the Lafayette educational exhibit, guest speakers, colonial reenactors, choir performances, a color guard, and entertainment. Admission: Free. On-site and street parking.

Old Town Hall Est. 1798

504 North Market Street, Wilmington, DE OPEN 10 am – 4:00 pm

Your next tour stop is in the city, at the site of the hub of political and social activities in the 1800’s. Lafayette was honored at Old Town Hall in 1824 with many toasts from local dignitaries and freemasons. Here you will experience English country dancing, French treats, colonial children’s games, a selfie station, the Lafayette traveling exhibit, and a performance at 3 pm by Williamsburg’s James Armistead Lafayette. Admission: Free. Street parking.

Amstel House Circa 1730

2 East 4th Street, New Castle, DE OPEN 4 pm –6 pm

Attend a cocktail reception with live chamber music, room tours, Lafayette wine, and charcuterie. View items on display that Lafayette made use of during the wedding he attended at the Van Dyke house in 1824. Explore our traveling exhibit in this gracious home as you sip Virginia chardonnay and claret. Admission: Free, but an RSVP is required. Lafayette Welcome Reception. Street parking.

Jessop’s Tavern Est. 1674

114 Delaware St, New Castle, DE OPEN 6 pm

The historic 1724 Jessop’s Tavern, named after former owner Abraham Jessop, a New Castle cooper, will host a memorable Lafayette Farewell Tour dinner at 6 pm. Tickets are $75 per person, advance purchase. To purchase tickets, go to Dinner with Lafayette

A special appearance at all locations by the Marquis de Lafayette himself!

Vive Lafayette!

Lafayette200.org