St. Louis Welcomes Lafayette: Saturday, April 26, 2025, 11:30 a.m.– 12:30 p.m.
Gateway Arch National Park, Grand Staircase
St. Louis will welcome General Lafayette to the area where the Riverboat Natchez would have docked, and the citizens of St. Louis would have welcomed him in 1825. The St. Louis riverfront area is the perfect place to begin our commemoration of Lafayette’s Farewell Tour. Starting in the late 17th century, French explorers arrived, and in 1764 a trading company led by Pierre Laclede and Auguste Chouteau established the settlement of St. Louis. The 630-foot stainless steel arch is a perfect monument to the spirit of the western pioneers, beginning with its French settlers. If you have time before the ceremony, visit the museum in the visitor’s center. The museum includes books, images, objects, and papers about the history of the park, the history of westward expansion, the Lewis and Clark expedition, and St. Louis history. Lafayette will be welcomed by St. Louis dignitaries and representatives of patriotic and historical societies. No registration is required for this public, outdoor event.

Lafayette visits the Chatillon-DeMenil Mansion: Saturday, April 26, 2025, 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Chatillon-DeMenil Mansion, 3352 Demenil Place
On April 26, 2025, Lafayette arrived by carriage to the home of Pierre Chouteau for a public reception. The Chouteau house no longer stands. Standing in for the original house is the Chatillon-DeMenil Mansion. The house was built in 1849 by Henry and Odile Delor Chatillon. Dr. Nicholas N. DeMenil and his wife, Emilie
Sophie Chouteau bought and substantially enlarged the home with Greek revival additions in the early 1860s. Odile Delor Lux was the granddaughter of Clement Delor de Treget, the founder of Carondelet, Missouri. Henry Chatillon was the leader of the expedition of Francis Parkman for The Oregon Trail. Emilie Chouteau was a descendant of both founders of St. Louis. The Chatillon, DeMenil and Chouteau families have made significant civic contributions to the city of St. Louis through the years. Many antiques and artifacts are original to the home.
This Greek revival mansion has been restored to interpret the decorative arts and architecture of the Victorian era. Lafayette will be welcomed with a lunch in his honor. Registration will be open on February 22, 2025.

Missouri Historical Society Lafayette Memorabilia Display: Saturday, April 26, 2025, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Missouri Historical Society Library & Research Center, 225 S. Skinker Blvd.
The Missouri Historical Society will have memorabilia from the Farewell Tour and documents related to General Lafayette available for viewing and at 3:00 p.m., Hattie Felton, museum curator, will give a curated description of the items in the collection. The collection includes two notes from Lafayette; a copy of the map showing his journey (1824-1825) through the United States; sketch of life and belongings of Lafayette by his physician, Jules Cloquet; letter from Lafayette’s son George W. Lafayette; and correspondence, pamphlets, news clippings, memorabilia and other papers relating to Lafayette, his visit to St. Louis, his funeral, and the 1925 centennial celebration of his visit. The American Friends of Lafayette’s traveling panels will also be on display for the month of April. This exhibit is free and open to the public.

Lafayette Bicentennial Ball: Saturday, April 26, 2025, 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Rose of the Hill, 2300 Edwards Street
Enjoy a festive evening of dinner and dancing at the Rose of the Hill banquet facility as we commemorate the return of General Lafayette to St. Louis. The dinner will begin with the same toasts given 200 years ago. Music will be performed by Kendra Ward and Bob Bence, with dance caller, Deborah Hyland. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to relive history, celebrate the enduring friendship between France and the United States, and meet Lafayette. Attendees are kindly requested to wear period dress or cocktail/business attire. Registration will be open on February 22, 2025.