The Mount Vernon Place Conservancy in Baltimore and the American Friends of Lafayette are thrilled to partner to celebrate the impact of the Marquis de Lafayette on our nation and how Baltimore has honored him over the centuries.

200 years ago, General Lafayette, during his 1824 Farewell Tour of America, was at the spot that’s now Mount Vernon Place. Although Baltimore’s Washington Monument was still under construction, his visit was so important that the builders of the monument removed the scaffolding so that Lafayette could see the column in all its monumental glory. A century later, in 1924, a bronze statue of Lafayette on horseback was dedicated at the base of the Washington Monument. The squares were redesigned in order to create an appropriate setting for this heroic sculpture.

Now you can be part of the bicentennial celebration of Lafayette’s 1824 Farewell Tour and reflect on the French general’s legacy at the equestrian statue. It will be a monumental affair with French and American flags, a wreath-laying, and period instrumental and vocal music. Stay for a free reception in the square surrounding the base of the Washington Monument. Free and open the public.

This event is part of the bicentennial of Major General Lafayette’s triumphant return of Baltimore and the United States in 1824-1825. And what a tour it was: Lafayette traveled to 24 states, covering 6,000 miles over the course of 13 months. The young country embraced this hero from France who made such a difference in the Revolutionary War 40 years earlier. Join us as we retrace Lafayette’s footsteps through Baltimore, Maryland with special events, performances, talks, and more. Find out more at lafayette200.org

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