News Summary

Beaufort commemorated the bicentennial of Marquis de Lafayette’s visit on March 18, 2025. The celebration reignited community spirit with historical reenactments, festive attire, and participation from approximately 3,000 attendees, including 250 students. The event was marked by a grand procession, speeches emphasizing unity, and concluded with a period costume ball, showcasing the town’s commitment to preserving and honoring its history.

Beaufort Marks 200th Anniversary of Lafayette’s Visit

Beaufort commemorated the 200th anniversary of Marquis de Lafayette’s historic visit on March 18, 2025, reigniting community spirit and honoring American history.

Key Details:

• The celebration marked precisely 200 years since Lafayette’s original visit in 1825.
• Lafayette, a French aristocrat and major general, was pivotal in the American Revolution.
• Approximately 3,000 people attended the re-enactment, including 250 students from local schools.

Festivities commenced with Lafayette arriving by boat at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park at 10 a.m. His entrance was met with a cannon blast and enthusiastic cheers from the crowd.

Lt. Col. Christopher Lyon of the Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort welcomed Lafayette down the boardwalk, leading to a brief ceremony where Beaufort Mayor Phil Cromer presented him with a ceremonial key to the city.

The day featured a grand procession down Bay Street, culminating in a speech at the historic John Mark Verdier House. During his address, Lafayette’s interpreter, Mark Schneider, conveyed a message of unity and hope for all to be welcomed under American freedom, regardless of race or wealth.

Attendees embraced the spirit of the era, donning period costumes, including tricorn hats and colonial dresses. The event was part of a larger commemoration honoring Lafayette’s 13-month “Farewell Tour of the Nation”, initiated by President James Madison in 1824-25.

In addition to the re-enactment, the celebration included historical demonstrations and concluded with a period costume ball, “Dancing with Lafayette,” held at the Historic Beaufort Arsenal.

Lafayette’s honorary U.S. citizenship, granted by Congress in 2002, recognizes him as one of only eight individuals to receive such an honor, alongside notable figures like Winston Churchill. His visit in 1825 aimed to reinvigorate patriotism amid growing national divides over issues such as slavery and tariffs.

This city-wide event, organized by the Historic Beaufort Foundation, involved over four dozen partnering entities, showcasing the community’s commitment to honoring its rich history.

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Additional Resources

• Your Island News
• Wikipedia: Marquis de Lafayette
• WTOC
• Google Search: Marquis de Lafayette
• Explore Beaufort SC
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Marquis de Lafayette
• Post and Courier
• Google News: Lafayette Beaufort 200th Anniversary