The marker reception for Lafayette’s tour in 2023.

On June 4, 1825 — two centuries ago — Fredonia witnessed one of its most storied moments when an iconic figure in both the American and French Revolutions, General Marquis de Lafayette, visited the village. This summer, Fredonia will commemorate this historic event with the Lafayette Bicentennial Jubilee, a week-long celebration from May 30 to June 6.

The Jubilee will feature a variety of events, including:

— A reenactment of Lafayette’s arrival in the early evening on June 3rd – coinciding with the historic moment when Lafayette was expected to arrive in 1825 – in Barker Commons.

— A new exhibition and lectures at the Darwin R. Barker Museum.

— A festival at Barker Commons with period musical performances and food vendors.

— An 1820s-era tea, “Tea with the Marquis” and dance at Grange 1.

— A ballet performance by Infinity Dance Academy

For updates and additional information, visit the Darwin R. Barker Museum or its website, barkermuseum.org.

Lafayette was a French aristocrat and military officer who played a pivotal role in the American Revolution (1775-1783). At just 20 years old, he served as a major general and became a close confidant of George Washington. In 1824 and 1825, Lafayette returned to the United States for a grand tour at the invitation of Congress and President James Monroe. As one of the last surviving Revolutionary War generals, he become a symbol of the nation’s independence.

During his visit to Fredonia, crowds from across northern Chautauqua gathered to catch a glimpse of the last surviving Revolutionary War General. Lafayette’s arrival was delayed due to poor travel conditions on the road from Westfield, and he did not arrive until after midnight. Despite the late hour, Fredonia residents welcomed “The Nation’s Guest” with gun salutes, music by the local militia, and candles placed in their windows. Lafayette thanked the crowd with a heartfelt speech, enjoyed breakfast, and departed as the sun rose around 5:40 a.m. for the Dunkirk harbor, where he sailed to Buffalo to see the Erie Canal.

Join in this summer as Fredonia honors this remarkable chapter in its history and examines the lives of the people who witnessed the historic moment 200 years ago.