Historic Triangle to commemorate 200th anniversary of Lafayette’s return with special events Oct. 19-20

Williamsburg and Yorktown are gearing up to commemorate the 200th anniversary of Lafayette’s triumphant return to the region.

In 1824, the Marquis de Lafayette, French hero of the American Revolution, visited the Historic Triangle as part of a 13-month tour of the United States. 

In Williamsburg, a series of celebratory events hosted by The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation and William & Mary will be held this week to honor the historic occasion.

“Just like Lafayette’s original tour in 1824, this event invites us to reflect upon the principles that united the nation in 1776 as we seek to form a more perfect union,” said Cliff Fleet, president and CEO of The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation.

Colonial Williamsburg’s festivities will be held on Oct. 20, beginning with a “homecoming” ceremony at 11 am at the Wren Building. The program commemorates the Marquis receiving an honorary degree of law from William & Mary.

The day will continue with a 1 p.m. gathering in the heart of Colonial Williamsburg’s Historic Area featuring a carriage procession, music, pomp and military salutes. 

Finally, the Marquis will perform in a dramatic presentation at the Kimball Theater at 3 p.m., in which he’ll reflect on the people and events he experienced during his life. (Colonial Williamsburg admission ticket or Good Neighbor Pass required).

In Yorktown, Lafayette-themed programming will take place during Yorktown Day festivities on Oct. 19. Mark Schneider, who portrays Lafayette at Colonial Williamsburg, will be present.

Below is a full list of special events commemorating Lafayette’s return.

Saturday, Oct. 19

• Yorktown Day | Historic Main Street | This special event commemorates the Oct. 19, 1781, Siege of Yorktown and the Revolutionary Way victory that paved the way for American freedom. There will be commemorative ceremonies, a patriotic parade, a flyover, a history lecture and performances by the Williamsburg Youth Orchestra and U.S. Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps. Free. 9 am – 5 pm. 
• Yorktown Market Days: Yorktown Victory Market | Riverwalk Landing | Attend a special farmers market celebrating the Victory at Yorktown. There will be a variety of fresh foods, including apples, cookies, meats, honey, macarons and more. Red, white and blue will also be on display and local artists will sell patriotic handiwork, including glassware, paintings and woodwork. 9 am – 3 pm. 
• Yorktown Victory Celebration | American Revolution Museum | Yorktown | The American Revolution Museum will commemorate the 242nd anniversary of America’s momentous 1781 Revolutionary War victory at Yorktown. Guests will have the opportunity to meet Comte de Rochambeau as portrayed by Michael Halbert and see artillery demonstrations. Included with standard admission. Residents of York County, James City County and Williamsburg receive free admission with proof of residency. 9 am – 5 pm. 

• Dr. Thomas E. Chávez Lecture on Francisco de Saavedra | York Hall | Dr. Thomas E. Chávez will present on Francisco de Saavedra, whose efforts ultimately made it possible for the Americans to defeat the British forces in Florida and at Yorktown during the Revolutionary War. Free. 3:15 – 4:30 pm.  

Sunday, Oct. 20

• Lafayette’s “Homecoming” | Wren Building | Colonial Williamsburg | Celebrate the 200th anniversary of Marquis de Lafayette’s Honorary Degree of Laws at a joyful “homecoming” celebration featuring members of William & Mary, Colonial Williamsburg and American Friends of Lafayette communities. There will be music, pomp and remarks by Lafayette as portrayed by Mark Schneider. Free and open to the public. 11 – 11:30 am.
• Celebrating Lafayette | Capitol Circle | Colonial Williamsburg | The community will gather in the heart of the Historic Area to celebrate the 200th anniversary of Lafayette’s return to Williamsburg. A celebratory carriage procession will feature the Colonial Williamsburg Fifes & Drums, Nation Builders, community leaders and a cannon salute by the Virginia State Garrison Regiment. Free and open to the public. 1 – 2 pm. 
• Il Était Une Fois-Once Upon a Time | Kimball Theatre | Colonial Williamsburg | Marquis de Lafayette returns to Williamsburg on October 20, 1824, and reflects upon his life experiences during this dramatic presentation. 3 – 4 pm. Requires CW admission or a Good Neighbor Pass.