New Kent in New Kent County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
James Lafayette
Photographed By Bernard Fisher, March 28, 2009
1. James Lafayette Marker
James Lafayette was born in slavery about 1748 near here. His master William Armistead was commissary of military supplies when in the summer of 1781 the Marquis de Lafayette recruited James as a spy. Posing as a double agent, forager, and servant at British headquarters, James moved freely between the lines with vital information on British troop movements for Lafayette. The Virginia General Assembly freed James in 1787 in recognition of his bravery and service, on the written recommendation of Lafayette, whose name he took for his own. He died in Baltimore on 9 Aug. 1830.Erected 1997 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number WO-17.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Patriots & Patriotism • War, US Revolutionary. In addition, it is included in the Virginia Department of Historic Resources series list. A significant historical date for this entry is August 9, 1830.
Location. 37° 31.069′ N, 76° 58.7′ W. Marker is in New Kent, Virginia, in New Kent County. Marker can be reached
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Confederate Memorial (here, next to this marker); New Kent Courthouse (here, next to this marker); Samuel Wilson Crump (1919-1995) (a few steps from this marker); Martha Washington's Birthplace (a few steps from this marker); John Parke Custis / Martha Dandridge (a few steps from this marker); Welcome to New Kent (within shouting distance of this marker); A Tale of Three Structures (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Wilson House: Witness to Three Centuries (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in New Kent.
Also see . . .
1. James Lafayette. Encyclopedia Virginia (Submitted on April 7, 2009.)
2. James Armistead Lafayette. American Battlefield Trust (Submitted on November 10, 2021.)
3. James Armistead Lafayette. Wikipedia (Submitted on November 10, 2021.)
Photographed By Bernard Fisher, March 28, 2009
2. James Lafayette Marker at New Kent County Courthouse.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 10, 2021. It was originally submitted on April 7, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,909 times since then and 237 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 7, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.
