Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette
(6 September 1757 – 20 May 1834)

Lafayette Day – May 20

Long before Poutine
Well before the French-Canadian Immigration
There was… Lafayette!
The Marquis de Lafayette served under General George Washington in the American Revolution and became the earliest image of the close friendship between France and the United States.
Throughout the U.S. we see commemorations to the Marquis in the names of cities, towns and gathering places – including the cradle of Cajun culture, Lafayette, LA.  Here in NH, we see numerous Lafayette roads, parks and, of course, Mount Lafayette, one of the most hiked peaks in the White Mountains.

NH Law since 1955 states:

“The governor shall annually issue a proclamation calling for a proper observance of May 20, the anniversary of the death of General Marquis de Lafayette, Revolutionary War hero, in lasting recognition of his gallant and illustrious service in the war for American independence.”

Looking to learn more about Lafayette?

Overview of Lafayette

Author, columnist and Franco-American of the Year 2021 Aurore Eaton recommends this article as a good overview of Lafayette’s contributions to the Revolution.
Don’t miss Aurore’s weekly columns “Looking Back” in the NH Union Leader!

Massachusetts Lafayette Society

Our friends in MA make Lafayette their focus year-round.

The Lafayette Trail

Learn more about the trail tracing Lafayette’s triumphant return to the U.S. for a tour in 1824-25.

Le Marquis de Lafayette today!

In his day, Le Marquis de Lafayette was quite the “Rock Star”!  Thanks to the musical Hamilton, he is again today.  Enjoy the original cast performance with Daveed Diggs as the charismatic Marquis.