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Bicentennial Return of the Marquis
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Lafayette

Return of the Marquis de Lafayette

From July 1824 to September 1825, the French Marquis de Lafayette, the last surviving major general of the American Revolutionary War, made a tour of the 24 US states existing at that time. He was received by the populace with a hero's welcome at many stops, and many honors and monuments were presented to commemorate and memorialize the visit.

This year the American Friends of Lafayette will commemorate the Bicentennial of his return to America. To let you know what is happening in each town, including Hampton, click here. When you are there, just click on Hampton, NH and we'll pop up.

On September 1, Lafayette (an actor) will make his way on a similar route made on Sept.1, 1824 to Hampton Falls, Hampton, North Hampton, Greenland, and Portsmouth.

Hampton's September 1 celebration of this historic event will include a book exhibit at the Lane Memorial Library, a Lafayette exhibit at the Tuck Museum, and will conclude with our "Jubilee of Liberty" celebration from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. We'll welcome the Marquis to the HHS barn and Meetinghouse Green as he arrives in his horse-drawn carriage.

Following a brief presentation, we'll share pastries and French coffee with the Marquis before he continues north on his tour of the NH seacoast. Please plan to join us for this commemoration of one of the earliest foreign friends of our nation.

Here are more details about the additional events that will be taking place in Hampton:

Throughout the month of August, the Lane Memorial Library will have a Lafayette Book Exhibit.

On August 21 and 23 from 1 to 4 p.m., HHS will have an Open House with a shelf Exhibit of General Moulton, General Lafayette, and other Revolutionary War figures.

On September 1 the Marquis event itself, as detailed above.

On September 18, HHS and the Lane Memorial Library will welcome "President John Adams" for an evening of history and entertainment which will include information about the friendship between President Adams and Lafayette.

The Hampton Falls Historical Society has a number of events planned to commemorate Lafayette's visit including making a red, white, and blue Lafayette Cockade, a book club discussion, and additional speakers who will discuss Lafayette's time in the United States. Please visit their website for additional information.