Throughout August 2025, Leesburg, Virginia, will proudly commemorate the 200th anniversary of General Marquis de Lafayette and his historic visit on August 9, 1825 as "The Nation's Guest." This bicentennial celebration is a unique opportunity to honor a pivotal figure in American history and reflect on the enduring principles of liberty he championed.
Lafayette, a French aristocrat, defied royal orders to become a trusted general of the American Revolution under George Washington from 1777 to 1782. During that time, he played a crucial role in the war not only on the battlefields but also in his diplomatic efforts in France. Although Lafayette returned to France in 1782, he visited the United States again from 1824 to 1825 on a farewell tour. During the tour, he visited 24 states, including his celebrated stop in Leesburg, making the Town a living link to the Revolutionary era and American history. Read more about a brief history of Lafayette.
Portrait of Marquis de Lafayette, 1825. Thomas Balch Library, Leesburg, VA.
Leesburg is honored to highlight the spirit of this significant anniversary of Lafayette's visit and have it resonate throughout the community. These events and exhibits are designed to educate, inspire, and foster a deeper appreciation for Lafayette's legacy and immerse visitors in this rich history.
Time: 7pm, doors open at 6:30pm
Location: Dynasty Brewing. Get directions to Dynasty Brewing.
Join historians Travis Shaw, Joe Rizzo, and Annemarie Chirieleison as they discuss stories about Lafayette. This event is for adults ages 21 and older. Please bring a valid ID.
Time: 10am to 4pm.
Price: Free and open to all ages.
Location: Mervin Jackson Park. Get directions to Mervin Jackson Park.
From 10am to noon you can meet Lafayette and some of his military companions to learn more about the famous general and his role in the American Revolution.
From 1 to 3pm you can meet James and Elizabeth Monroe and learn more about their relationship with the Lafayettes and hosting General Lafayette during his visit to Loudoun.
Price: Free and open to all ages.
Located at Loudoun Museum. Get directions to Loudoun Museum.
Located at Donaldson Log Cabin. Get directions to Donaldson Log Cabin.
Two hundred years ago, Lafayette visited Leesburg as part of his grand national tour. On August 9, 2025, join us to mark the anniversary and explore Lafayette’s life through engaging hands-on activities and historic encounters at Loudoun Museum and Mervin Jackson Park.
Discover the people and stories behind Lafayette’s historic visit to Leesburg during this special exhibit at the Donaldson Cabin —featuring original historic materials from the Thomas Balch Library archive.
Time: Starting at 6pm
Location: TASTE Leesburg, Loudoun County Courthouse. Get directions to Loudoun County Courthouse.
The main event of the celebration is the recreation of Lafayette’s visit to Leesburg in 1825 featuring portrayals of Lafayette, President James Monroe, local dignitaries, and patriotic music. Visit the TASTE Leesburg webpage to learn more.
Time: 2 to 5pm
Price: $50. Purchase tickets to Lafayette’s Legacy: A Loudoun County Perspective.
Location: Oatlands. Get directions to Oatlands.
August of 1825 saw thousands of excited citizens crowd the steps of the Leesburg Courthouse as numerous toasts celebrated the visit by American Revolutionary hero the Marquis de Lafayette as part of a nationwide tour. Exactly 200 years later, join VPHA and our panel of experts in a discussion of this "Hero of Two Worlds", his life, the 1825 tour, and what his visit meant and continues to mean to the residents of Loudoun County. Learn more about Lafayette’s Legacy: A Loudoun County Perspective webpage on the Virginia Piedmont Heritage Area website.
Get directions to Thomas Balch Library.
The French in the American Revolution
August - September
How do heroes inspire us? Learn how one moment in time shaped a lifelong love of history—and a legacy.
Get directions to Loudoun Museum.
From June to December 2025, explore a special exhibit on Lafayette and related history.
This self-guided tour takes you through fourteen stops in Leesburg’s historic downtown, where you’ll discover the people, places, and stories that shaped that remarkable day. Visit the Lafayette in Leesburg tour to learn more.
Marquis de Lafayette, a French aristocrat, rose to prominence by defying King Louis XVI to join the American cause for independence from England in 1777. Serving under George Washington and becoming a trusted confidant, he achieved the rank of General, endured the winter at Valley Forge, and was wounded at Brandywine. His tireless lobbying in France after his return in 1782 secured vital reinforcements, money, and supplies for the Continental Army, proving crucial to the American victory.
In 1824, Lafayette returned to the United States as "The Nation's Guest" for a triumphant sixteen-month tour of all 24 states. During this historic visit, in August 1825, he traveled from Washington D.C. with President John Quincy Adams to see his old friend, former President James Monroe, at Oak Hill in Loudoun. The residents of Leesburg extended an invitation, leading to a massive celebration on August 9, 1825, where 8,000 to 10,000 people gathered at the Loudoun County Courthouse to welcome him.
An engraved portrait of Marquis de Lafayette.
As America approaches its 250th anniversary, learn about our nation’s beginnings to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, the Revolutionary War, and the Independence of the United States in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Loudoun is one of many destinations across Virginia that will commemorate the American Revolution with special events, lectures, and more. Loudoun has a rich history and this is a perfect time to come explore its Colonial towns, Quaker villages, Civil War sites, and museums. You won’t want to miss a chance to commemorate this monumental moment in history.
Visit the Loudoun VA250 website to learn more.
Tucker speaks with Ian Macdougall, Programs Coordinator for the Virginia Piedmont Heritage Area, about the history of the American Revolution and its significance in Leesburg, VA.
Watch the video of Zip Trip to Leesburg: Honoring the American Revolution in Leesburgon the Fox 5 DC website.