St. Louis Welcomes Lafayette!

Saturday, April 26, 2025, Riverboat Cruise 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.

Commemorating his arrival on the Riverboat Natchez, General Lafayette, along with Amanda Clark, Manager of Community Tours, and the See STL tour program with the Missouri History Museum, will lead an engaging, historical program during the one-hour cruise. Buy tickets here.

Gateway Arch National Park, Grand Staircase 1:00 – 2:30 p.m.

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 commemorate 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 Gateway Arch is a perfect monument to the spirit of the Western pioneers, beginning with its French settlers. Lafayette will be welcomed by St. Louis dignitaries and representatives of patriotic and historical societies. Registration is not required for this free public, outdoor event, however registering will help us know how many people to expect. You can register here.

Lafayette visits the Chatillon-DeMenil Mansion

Saturday, April 26, 2025, 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Chatillon-DeMenil Mansion, 3352 Demenil Place

On April 29, 1825, Lafayette arrived by carriage to the home of Pierre Chouteau for a public reception. The Chouteau house no longer stands. However, we do have a house in St. Louis with a family connection, the Chatillon-DeMenil Mansion, home of Sophie Chouteau DeMenil, great-granddaughter of Pierre Laclede, granddaughter of Pierre Chouteau, and daughter of his son, Auguste Chouteau. Sophie and her family would have attended the reception and dinner in Lafayette’s honor. The Chatillon-DeMenil Mansion was built in 1849 by Henry and Odile Delor Chatillon. Dr. Nicholas N. DeMenil and his wife, Sophie Chouteau bought and substantially enlarged the home with Greek revival additions in the early 1860s. 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 brunch in his honor. Space for this event is limited.  Please check back for the registration link.

Missouri Historical Society

Lafayette Memorabilia Display

Saturday, April 26, 2025, 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Missouri Historical Society Library & Research Center, 225 S. Skinker Blvd.

During the month of April, the Missouri Historical Society’s Library and Research Center will be commemorating the 200th anniversary of the Marquis de Lafayette’s visit to the Gateway to the West. All month documents dating to the time of Lafayette’s trip to St. Louis in April 1825 will be featured in The Marquis de Lafayette comes to St. Louis, a Pop-Up Exhibit in our Grigg Reading Room (Tue-Fri, 12-5 PM, Sat., 10 AM-5 PM). On Saturday, April 26, beginning at 9:30 AM with our Saturday Speaker’s Series, we will feature a lecture on the Marquis’s visit along with a day-long viewing of artifacts relating to Lafayette from the collections of the Missouri Historical Society. Special Event Hours on Saturday, April 26, 9:30 AM to 5 PM. 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. Period dress is encouraged. Attendees are kindly requested to wear period dress or cocktail/business attire. Register here.