​Lafayette Bicentennial Celebration 1825-2025

You are Invited to Commemorate one of the Most Significant Events to occur in Beaufort’s Great History

 

The Marquis de Lafayette was a French Nobleman and military officer who volunteered to at the age of 19 to join the Continental Army, led by Gen. George Washington, in the American Revolutionary War. He commanded the troops in the decisive siege of Yorktown in 1781, the final major battle that secured American Independence. He is remembered and celebrated as a “Hero of the Nation.”

Lafayette Visits Beaufort, South Carolina

In 1824 and 1825, at the invitation of President James Monroe, the Marquis de Lafayette embarked on a farewell tour of the United States, returning to the nation he helped establish and whose democratic experiment he saw as a model for the world. He was 67 years old when he arrived in 1824 to New York and was the last surviving Major General of the American Revolutionary War.

His South Carolina tour began on March 6 1825, in Cheraw County then continued to Camden, Columbia, Charleston, and Edisto, before culminating in a memorable visit to Beaufort on Friday March 18th and to North Augusta on March 24th. From there, the Marquis would continue his journey into Georgia.

The Charleston newspaper Southern Patriot recorded Lafayette’s arrival by steamboat at 10:30 PM – delayed, local lore tells us, after running aground at low tide, a quintessentially Lowcountry predicament. As the vessel approached Beaufort, a 13-gun salute thundered across the river. Lafayette was led by procession through Beaufort’s main street.

“The carriages were flanked on the right and left by the Beaufort

Volunteer Artillery in single file. A detachment of the St. Lucke’s [sic] Troop of Cavalry; and the Officers of the Battalion, mounted, under the command of Maj. JACOBS, flanked the whole procession.” – Southern Patriot, 1825. (Have this as a stand out quote on the page)

A rare eyewitness account comes from 15-year-old Hetty Barnwell, who wrote to Catherine Osborn Barnwell about the evening.

‘Hetty Barnwell recounted in her correspondence: “The procession was then so handsome that I scarcely regretted his not coming in the day. All of the boys in the town had lights in their hands, which had a very beautiful effect shining on the long white plumes of the Guards.”

For generations, Beaufortonians have cherished this visit, passing down stories of Lafayette’s brief but memorable time in Beaufort. The John Mark Verdier House on Bay Street became known locally as the “Lafayette House”, thanks to oral history’s telling of the Marquis addressing the crowd from its portico. This ca. 1804 Federal Period house stands today as a testament to that remarkable evening when Beaufort welcomed one of America’s most celebrated national heroes.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Creative Expression

The bicentennial festivities have joined together many organizations and individuals. Two inspiring collaborations have been Beaufort County schools and the Thomas Heyward Jr. Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and Paul Hamilton Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR).

In January, the DAR and SAR announced an art poster contest for 9th through 12th grade students depicting the “Marquis de Lafayette’s importance in American Democracy.”

Students were encouraged to do their own research about Lafayette and the role he played in championing democracy and establishing the United States in 1776.

“The Sons of the American Revolution and the Daughters of the American Revolution are the leading lineage societies that perpetuate the ideals of the war for American independence from Great Britain, said Randy Atkins, Paul Hamilton Chapter of the SAR.

“As historical, educational, and patriotic non-profit corporations, we

seek to maintain and expand the meaning of patriotism, respect for our national symbols, and the value of American citizenship. A major part of that mission is to remember and commemorate the patriots who helped create, build and preserve this Nation, patriots like the Marquis de Lafayette. “

“By actively participating in the bicentennial events, our students will develop a deeper appreciation for Lafayette and his contemporaries, forming a viable connection to the past that goes beyond the classroom, “ said Karen McKenzie, Director of Secondary Teaching and Learning for the Beaufort County School District.

First and Second Place Winners will be announced during the celebrations on March 18th at the John Mark Verdier House.  Posters of the artwork created by the finalists can be seen in storefront windows along Bay and side streets.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS AND PROGRAMS

Wednesday, March 12: 

Toys & Games of 1825, a “Waiting for Lafayette” program by the Beaufort County Library, 9AM-5PM, 843.255.6468.

Monday, March 17: 

Lecture/Talk “How Liberty Found a Country: Conversations with a Historian & the Marquis”, featuring Mark Schneider as Lafayette and Dr. John McCardell, at St. Helena’s Anglican Church Parish House; Time: 7:00 PM. Sponsored by Historic Beaufort Foundation. Tickets available for purchase LafayetteBicentennial-Beaufortsc.org or 843.379.3331.

Tuesday, March 18:

10 AM: Lafayette Arrives, and the Procession Begins

– Arrival of Lafayette Interpreter (Mark Schneider) in the 1936 Tortuga at the Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park, Day Dock

– Welcomed by Cannon and 13-gun salute (Sons of the American Revolution)

– Escort of Lafayette, mayor, and fellow dignitaries to Green

– Presentation of colors by the SAR State Color Guard

– Bagpipe accompaniment by St. Andrew’s Society

– Vocalist performance of Hail Columbia

Horse-drawn parade procession down Bay Street to Verdier House

– Joined by students from Beaufort County Schools, SAR, MCAS,

St. Andrew’s Society, Society of the Cincinnati, and others.

– Procession through a Triumphal Arch at the John Mark Verdier House

Sponsored by HBF, City of Beaufort & the Beaufort Lafayette Bicentennial Committee

11:30 AM: Speeches from the Portico of the John Mark Verdier House

– Dignitaries & speakers include Mayor of Beaufort and Council, Beaufort County Council Chairperson, MCAS Commander, American Friends of Lafayette, SAR, DAR, Society of the Cincinnati, State and House Representatives, and Mark Schneider as the Marquis de Lafayette.

– Unveiling of the Lafayette Marker at the John Mark Verdier House

– Announcement of winners of DAR/SAR Lafayette Essay & Poster Contests

– Sponsored by HBF and the Beaufort Lafayette Bicentennial Committee 

12:00 PM Dedication of SAR/DAR Bench Marker in Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park.

12 – 3 PM: Living History Demonstrations open on Scott Street

Coastal Heritage Society, Beaufort County Library, Paul Hamilton Chapter of Sons of the American Revolution, Beaufort County School District, Carin Bloom, Living Herstorian, Thomas Heyward Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution and Revolution Ballroom will be holding 18th and 19th century interactive programs and demonstrations.

Lafayette will be available for photos and to dance with Revolution Ballroom. 

Sponsored by HBF, City of Beaufort & the Lafayette Bicentennial Committee

Lafayette Exhibits and tours of Museums 

– Free Tours (March 18th) of John Mark Verdier House and Beaufort History Museum (Exhibits will be up for month of March).

5:30 – 8 PM: “Dancing with Lafayette” at the Historic Beaufort Arsenal Courtyard

– Ballroom dancing with period costumes encouraged. Sponsored by the Beaufort History Museum. Tickets available for purchase at www.beauforthistorymuseum.wildapricot.org

8 PM: Farewell to Lafayette on Craven Street – Beaufort Bicentennial Committee

LafayetteBicentennial–BeaufortSC.org

 

“In the Footsteps of Lafayette: An Artistic Expression “

Stella Scott is not a person to sit still. As former president of the Beaufort Art Association Stella dreamed of collaborating with businesses and organizations to bridge the gap between artists and their audiences. She formed her consulting business – Elevate Art in 2023.

When she learned of the bicentennial plans, she jumped on the once in a lifetime opportunity to honor the legacy of the Marquis de Lafayette and celebrate America’s freedom through art –and new and innovative exhibit “In the Footsteps of Lafayette: An Artistic Expression,” was born.

“As someone who works with both local and national artists, I couldn’t imagine this celebration without an artistic interpretation. I’ve gathered a group of brilliant artists—some from our community and others from places Lafayette himself also visited—to create a stunning exhibit featuring diverse styles and mediums. I can’t wait for you all to experience it!” Stella Scott

Works from more than 10 artists will be exhibited at the John Mark Verdier House. Pieces will also be available for purchase with 40% of proceeds designated to benefit the mission of the Historic Beaufort Foundation to preserve, protect and present Beaufort’s historic and architectural legacy.

Elevate Art plans to collaborate with various organizations in the future to establish Beaufort as a must-visit art destination.

“I appreciate the work Historic Beaufort Foundation does to preserve the important buildings in this community which make Beaufort so special. When asked to submit a painting for the Lafayette Event I did not hesitate. I immediately thought of painting a still life of the 1748 silver cup recently acquired by the foundation.

It was fun to study the details of the cup and try to replicate them in a painting. The medium for this painting is transparent watercolor and the whites are not paint but the preserved white of the paper.” –

For additional information or inquiries, please contact Stella Scott at letselevateart@gmail.com

 

Continuing Lafayette’s Legacy

March 18 hundreds of 3rd to 8th grade students and their families will come downtown to participate in and experience living history in downtown Beaufort.

Students from the Beaufort County School District, Beaufort Academy, area home schools and parochial schools have been eagerly preparing for the commemoration and celebration. From writing essays and creating art pieces to making hats and paper torches, students are learning about Lafayette and his legacy.

Tuesday, March 18 is the date that Beaufort welcomed the “hero of the nation,” commemorating his fight for a nation that was founded on liberty, equality and freedom.

The date also happens to fall on South Carolina History Day.  And, as provided by state law, educational institutions across the State are encouraged to engage in programs that celebrate local, state and national history,

In January, the South Carolina Senate and the South Carolina House

both passed resolutions proclaiming the month of March 2025 as Lafayette Day in the state. The Beaufort City Council and Beaufort County Council also passed resolutions proclaiming March as Lafayette month in Beaufort and the county.

“It’s not just about celebrating the bicentennial, it’s about continuing the message and the legacy that Lafayette and so many others fought for in establishing the United States. The bicentennial brings the past to life for people of all ages and hopefully encourages in them a respect for our history and our nation.” – Chuck Schwam, American Friends of Lafayette

 

Being Lafayette

Mark Schneider, a nationally-known historical interpreter, will transform in costume and character to become the Marquis de Lafayette when he visits Beaufort March 17 & 18th.

US Army veteran Mark Schneider, has for more than 25 years worked at Colonial Williamsburg portraying the French aristocrat who arrived in America at age 19 to help lead the battle for independence.

“Mark is the biggest deal we have. We count on him as an historian and an interpreter, and he is an expert on Lafayette. He has been studying this for more than 20 years,” said Charles Schwam, executive director of the American Friends of Lafayette national organization.

In August 1824, Lafayette began his “Farewell Tour of the Nation” in

Staten Island, NY. He was the last surviving major general of the American Revolutionary War. His tour included 24 states, ending September 6, 1825, in Washington, DC where he celebrated his 68th birthday at a White House banquet with President John Adams.

His 1825 visit to South Carolina included stops in Cheraw, Camden, Columbia, Izzard’s Plantation north of Charleston, Charleston, Edisto, and Beaufort on March 18th, before ending in North Augusta.

Schneider, along with 4 other Lafayette interpreters, has been traveling the country under the sponsorship of the American Friends of Lafayette in celebration of the bicentennial. With 10 states left on the tour, Mark already has visited 30 towns/cities portraying the Marquis since the bicentennial celebrations began in August 2024.

As a part of Beaufort’s Lafayette Bicentennial festivities, Historic Beaufort Foundation is hosting a lecture and conversation on March 17th between Dr. John M. McCardell and Mark Schneider: “How Liberty Found a Country: Conversations with a Historian & the Marquis”. Tickets are available at LafayetteBicentennial-BeaufortSC.org or by calling 843.379.3331.Separate this in a box or highlighted somehow.

 

SALUTE TO THE MARQUIS de LAFAYETTE

 Hundreds of individuals, businesses, public and private organizations and associations have come together over the past 8 months to plan a fitting tribute to one of the most significant events to occur in Beaufort’s great history.  We are proud to recognize their support and contributions.

 

“As the steward of the “Lafayette Building” for three quarters of a century Historic Beaufort Foundation (HBF) HONORS a man who meant so much to the establishment of our country.  General Lafayette’s farewell tour of America in 1824 and 1825 celebrated the values fought for in the American Revolution and laid out in the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights. HBF is honored to be joined by so many organizations, businesses and individuals in commemorating this important event in Beaufort’s long and revered history.”  

Cynthia C. Jenkins

Executive Director

Historic Beaufort Foundation

___________________________

 

“It is difficult to imagine what our nation might look like today without the immense contributions made by Lafayette to our independence. Beaufort was honored in 1825 to have him visit and this month we honor him again on the bicentennial.” 

The Honorable Phil Cromer

Mayor of Beaufort

_______________

 

“Between 1824 and 1825, the Marquis de Lafayette undertook a momentous tour of the United States, returning to the country he helped establish and whose democratic principles he viewed as a beacon of hope for the world. Beaufort, South Carolina was an important stop on his tour, and for 200 years we have celebrated his visit. We are proud now, on the 200th anniversary, to again pay tribute to this freedom leader.” –

The Honorable Alice Howard

Chairman

Beaufort County Council

__________________________

“Growing up in or living in the Lowcountry, you know about the Marquis de Lafayette and the impacts of his visit to Beaufort, South Carolina and the Nation. I think the Broadway play “Hamilton” helped bring to light his contributions to our young nation, and it is important that Beaufort not only celebrates but commemorates the 200-year anniversary of Lafayette visiting our town as part of his triumphant final tour of our young nation.” 

The Honorable Shannon Erickson

SC State Representative

__________________________

“Lafayette’s visit then — and our commemoration of it now — reminds us of things important and enduring; of alliances that secure and maintain liberty; of causes that transcend particular times and places; and, perhaps above all, of commitment to principles that shape and direct the hopes of freedom-loving people everywhere.”

Dr. John M. McCardell

Historian and Author

__________________

“Lafayette’s arrival was one of the major community events of the antebellum era. He was ‘thehero of two worlds’ and perhaps the greatest celebrity in America in 1825. 

Lafayette’s arrival was on the cusp of the Industrial Revolution in the American South. He came and left on a steamboat, one of the first to arrive in Beaufort. And the potential of the steam engine was not lost on the sea island planters. 

It is appropriate to remember Lafayette on the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution because he was by far the best known European warrior for democracy.” 

Dr. Lawrence S. Rowland

Historian and Author

_________________________

“General Lafayette, though a Frenchman, believed strongly in the principles for which George Washington and our founding fathers fought and sacrificed so much. He, like Washington, was the “rock star” of the time and one of the two most remembered figures of the Revolution. It is therefore fitting that the Gov. Paul Hamilton Chapter of the South Carolina Society of SAR and the citizens of this community salute Lafayette on the 200th anniversary of his return to Beaufort as “the Nation’s Guest”. 

B. Randolph Atkins, President

Gov. Paul Hamilton Chapter, South Carolina Society

The Sons of the American Revolution

__________________

“This celebration not only highlights Lafayette’s crucial role in the American cause but also illuminates his enduring legacy as a champion of liberty and democracy. The Lafayette celebration serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving and honoring our history, igniting a passion for learning that will resonate with our students long after the festivities have concluded.”

Karen McKenzie

Director of Secondary Teaching and Learning

Beaufort County School District

_____________________

“Through our living history interpretations, the Beaufort History Museum brings the past alive while fostering a passion for preserving the history of our diverse community. The Marquis de Lafayette played a vital role in the birth of the United States and in pushing equality for all. Events such as the Lafayette Bicentennial Celebration support our museum’s mission and goals.”

Amelie Cromer

Vice President

Beaufort History Museum

_________________________.

“Beaufort County and its citizens were central to the formation of our new republic during the American Revolution.  South Carolina patriots such as Isaac Huger, William Moultrie and Thomas Pinckney had strong ties to Beaufort and were original members of the Society of the Cincinnati.  Lafayette also was an active member of the Cincinnati, dedicated to the Revolutionary War ideals of liberty, equality, civil rights and responsible citizenship.  Lafayette’s visit to Beaufort in 1825 demonstrated his admiration for the many contributions of its residents towards American Independence.” 

John Neely

Member, Society of the Cincinnati

Beaufort, SC

________________________________

“Celebrating Lafayette isn’t just about looking back—it’s about experiencing history in a way that still inspires today. From walking historic streets to exploring landmarks tied to his journey, visitors can step into his story, connect with his legacy of freedom and friendship, and make history come alive.”   

Robb Wells
President & CEO
Greater Beaufort-Port Royal CVB

_____________________

“Lafayette 200 has given the Library an opportunity to commemorate an important date in Beaufort District history in league with a variety of like-minded organizations. It’s exciting to be included in such a special community wide event.” 

Grace Morris Cordial

Senior Librarian & Archivist

Beaufort District Collection Manager

Beaufort County Library

________________________

“The Marquis de Lafayette demonstrated such dedication to the cause of American Freedom and such profound leadership ability that General George Washington appointed him to Major General to the Continental Army within the first few months of his service to the US. 

This 200-year anniversary of his visit to Beaufort is an appropriate commemoration of his contributions to local, state and national growth and prosperity.” 

Richard E Thomas

Beaufort County 250 Committee

SC American Revolution Sester-centennial Commission

__________________________ 

“Lafayette was a human rights champion throughout his life.  When he arrived in Beaufort in 1825, he truly believed all people were created equal.  He was an abolitionist, a feminist and a friend of the Native Americans.  These values are still important today.  

As we look back at Lafayette’s human rights beliefs, we can see a clear path as to why those values are still important throughout our country now and going forward.”

 Chuck Schwam

Executive Director

American Friends of Lafayette

________________________

“It’s important to honor our rich Beaufort history and the legacy of Marquis de Lafayette because without his contribution, and the support of our French allies, who knows if our nation would exist today. We needed help and our friends were there for us. It’s good to remember that we’re stronger together – as a community, country, and world. 

As dancers, we’re excited to bring 19th century dances to life so modern audiences can enjoy them. And we are honored to participate in the Lafayette Bicentennial Celebration. We dance for joy, to connect, and to express our creativity. And while dance steps may change over the centuries, the happiness we experience is forever.” 
Marcia Mitchell
Revolution Ballroom Studio Owner

________________________

“There are so many exciting events happening in honor of Lafayette and his visit, brought to life by the incredible collaboration of various organizations and businesses to make this anniversary truly unforgettable.” –

Stella Scott

Elevate Art Consulting

_____________________________________

“It is important to celebrate events like the return of General Lafayette to America (and Beaufort in particular) to remind Americans of our history and to recognize that we didn’t get here alone. A love of liberty and a sense of adventure led Lafayette to defy his King and come to America to fight for an idea. While here he fell in love with America and America with him. International alliances were born that still exist today. That is the impact Lafayette made and why we still celebrate and honor him today.”

Lt Col. Brooks Lyles

Sons of the American Revolution

National Treasurer