Beaufort Prepares for Bicentennial Celebration of Lafayette’s Arrival

News Summary

Beaufort, South Carolina, is gearing up for a grand bicentennial celebration to honor Marquis de Lafayette’s historic arrival on March 18, 1825. The event will recreate Lafayette’s vibrant welcome with cannon fire, parades, and various activities at Waterfront Park. The festivities begin at 10 a.m. and aim to highlight Lafayette’s contributions to liberty and democracy. With participation from local schools and dignitaries, the celebration promises to unite the community in a joyful remembrance of history.

Beaufort Gears Up for a Grand Bicentennial Celebration of Lafayette’s Historic Arrival

Get ready, Beaufort! The charming coastal town is preparing for a special event that will turn back the clock nearly 200 years to reflect on a remarkable visit from one of history’s most celebrated figures: the Marquis de Lafayette. On March 18, 1825, Lafayette arrived in Beaufort, South Carolina, on a steamboat, and the town is all set to recreate that memorable day for the bicentennial celebration on March 18, 2025.

A Star-Studded Arrival

Picture the scene: it’s the early 19th century, and the local folks are buzzing with excitement. Lafayette, a major hero of the American Revolutionary War, drew crowds wherever he went. As a young man, he volunteered for the Continental Army at just 19, fighting valiantly for the ideals that fueled the birth of the United States. By the time of his visit to Beaufort, he was not just a war hero but a charismatic figure in both America and France, known affectionately as the “hero of two worlds.” He was accompanied by his son, George Washington Lafayette, and his beloved dog, a brown and white King Charles spaniel.

When Lafayette disembarked in Beaufort, he was greeted with a cannon blast and a salute of thirteen guns, marking the significance of his arrival. Local historians even describe him as the “rockstar of the time,” which was no small feat back then!

Mark the Date

The reenactment will occur at the beautiful **Waterfront Park** from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The festivities will kick off at 10 a.m. sharp, when Lafayette, portrayed by historical interpreter Mark Schneider, will once again be welcomed with cannon fire and a vibrant parade through downtown Beaufort. As he did back in 1825, this iconic figure will speak from the historic John Mark Verdier House, now the home of the Historic Beaufort Foundation.

A Nationwide Celebration

This event isn’t just a local affair; it’s part of a nationwide celebration commemorating Lafayette’s famous **Farewell Tour of the Nation**, which started in 1824 and included a whopping 100 stops in 24 states. Lafayette was requested by President James Madison to mark the 50th anniversary of the Revolutionary War’s conclusion, and his original visit included stops in other South Carolina towns like Cheraw, Camden, and Charleston.

Expected Highlights

Expect a fabulous day filled with excitement and grandeur. A restored motorized wooden yacht from 1936 will be used to mimic the feel of Lafayette’s original arrival, bringing a touch of nostalgia and charm to the occasion. Approximately **500 students from Beaufort County** are anticipated to join the celebrations, open to the public and perfect for families. Dignitaries from both local and state levels will attend, along with members from the French consulate.

Beaufort’s police department is also gearing up, preparing for a turnout of around **1,000 attendees**. The event aims to emphasize Lafayette’s contributions to liberty, equality, and democracy, marking an era rich in economic prosperity and technological advancement as the Industrial Revolution began to shape America.

Activities Galore

The bicentennial celebration will feature an engaging array of activities, from living history demonstrations to delightful ballroom dancing. Local museums will showcase displays, offering further insights into Lafayette’s monumental contributions. To top it all off, a marker will be placed at the Verdier House to commemorate Lafayette’s historical visit, making it a perfect photo opportunity for attendees. And as dusk settles in, the celebration will culminate in the lively event “Dancing with Lafayette,” uniting the community in a joyful farewell.

This exciting day is not just about looking back at our history; it’s about embracing the spirit of community and unity inspired by Lafayette’s lifelong commitment to the values we hold dear today.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Additional Resources

• Explore Beaufort SC
• Wikipedia: Marquis de Lafayette
• WTOC Video
• Google Search: Marquis de Lafayette Bicentenary
• Your Island News
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Marquis de Lafayette
• Explore Beaufort SC: Dancing with Lafayette
• Google News: Lafayette 200th anniversary Beaufort
• Island Packet