General Lafayette Marker, Suffolk, Virginia (VA-10)

In March of 1781, much of the Continental Army was hunting for the traitor, Benedict Arnold. In mid-March, Lafayette was sent south from the Elk River in Maryland with a detachment of troops to contribute to the search. On March 15th, he reported to General Washington that Benedict Arnold and his troops were known to be encamped in the Portsmouth, Virginia, area and were held there only by the threat of the imminent arrival of the French fleet. 

Lafayette arrived at the Sleepy Hole camp sometime between the 17th and 19th of March and aided in searches of the area for Benedict Arnold while waiting for the French fleet to arrive. On March 23rd, Lafayette returned to Williamsburg and wrote another report on the entire trip for General Washington. Following his reconnaissance mission in the Suffolk and Portsmouth area, he continued to aid the fight against Benedict Arnold in Virginia.

Learn about Revolutionary War Combat Strategy. Watch the Revolutionary War Animated Map. For a summary, read An Overview of the American Revolution.