The young Marquis arrived in America at the age of 19, ready to serve the cause of liberty in the American Revolution. He quickly became part of Washington’s military family, and, over the years, their relationship grew to that of a father and his adoptive son.
Lafayette was assigned to serve on Washington's staff. Lafayette, one of the richest young men in France, left his home country on March 25, 1777, filled with desire to fight against the British in the American Revolution. He would become a valued member of General Washington's close-knit military family.
Digital Encyclopedia
Who Was Marquis de Lafayette?
One of the richest young men in France, Marquis de Lafayette left his home country on March 25, 1777, filled with desire to fight against the British in the American Revolution.
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A Special Relationship
Explore the consequential relationship between Lafayette and George Washington.
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Lafayette at Valley Forge
Marquis de Lafayette spent most of December 1777 and January 1778 with George Washington and his Continental Army troops at their winter quarters at Valley Forge.
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Lafayette's Plan for Ending Slavery
In the closing days of the American Revolution, Marquis de Lafayette wrote his old commander George Washington suggesting an experiment: the two would purchase land where enslaved people could then work as free tenants.
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Battle of the Virginia Capes
Read a letter written by Marquis de Lafayette to George Washington after the Battle of the Virginia Capes, September 8, 1781.
Learn moreFrom Enemies to Allies
How Washington Won Over the French
Washington's relationship with the French evolved over the course of an action-packed lifetime.
"In the place [Gen. Washington] occupies, he is surrounded by flatterers and secret enemies. He finds in me a trustworthy friend in whom he can confide and who will always tell him the truth."
- Marquis de Lafayette, Valley Forge, 6 January 1778
A Portrait of Lafayette
Take a closer look at a portrait of Marquis de Lafayette commissioned by Washington in 1779 and displayed in the Mansion for many years.
Bastille Key
Presented to Washington by Lafayette as a symbol of liberty, the key to the Bastille has been a fixture of Mount Vernon's Central Passage for over 230 years.
The Bastille Key at Mount Vernon
Associate Curator Adam Erby provides an in-depth look at the Bastille Key that was presented to George Washington by Lafayette and has remained at Mount Vernon.
Second Generation
When Lafayette was imprisoned during the French Revolution, he sent his son, Georges Washington Lafayette, to live with President and Mrs. Washington, who treated him as family. Although Washington and Marquis de Lafayette would never see each other again, they remained close through correspondence.
Condolence Letter
Following the death of George Washington, Lafayette penned a heartwarming letter to Martha Washington, expressing, "My mind is so used to introduce him in every thought, every sentiment, every concern of mine that I hardly can believe that, while I am living, he has left us."
A Visit to the Tomb
One of the earliest prominent visitors to Washington’s tomb was his close friend, colleague, and military partner during the American Revolution, the Marquis de Lafayette. The visit was depicted in an 1840 lithograph held in Mount Vernon's collection.
"Marquis de Lafayette" on Washington's Legacy
"Marquis de Lafayette" discusses the loss of General Washington—a much beloved father figure as well as a symbol to the world of quiet leadership and honor.
Lafayette Bedchamber
Curator Adam T. Erby takes viewers on a tour of the stunning Lafayette Bedchamber, restored and reopened to the public in 2022.
Lafayette Bedchamber
The bedchamber where Lafayette stayed in 1784, in the northeast corner of the second floor, continued to be associated with its most famous occupant.
Explore the RoomLafayette Bedchamber
This room is often referred to as the Lafayette bedchamber because it is believed that the marquis stayed here while visiting the Washingtons.