General Lafayette Marker, Yorktown, Virginia (VA-5)

Following the Revolutionary War, Lafayette accepted an invitation from George Washington and returned to America. The Marquis de Lafayette departed France in mid-June 1784 and arrived in New York City on August 4. The five‑month goodwill visit reconnected him with George Washington, celebrated his role in American independence, and strengthened political and commercial ties between the United States and France. He would return again in 1824-1825.

In 1784, General Lafayette traveled down the coast on La Nymphe, a frigate, as he celebrated the end of the Revolutionary War and the birth of the new nation. On November 15th, he disembarked at Yorktown, Virginia, having come from Boston, Massachusetts. The Yorktown and Williamsburg citizens greeted Lafayette and held a reception for him. Lafayette then went on to Richmond, Virginia where he was greeted by George Washington and visited the State Assembly.

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