West Chester in Chester County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

General Lafayette

Photographed By Keith S Smith, December 4, 2001

1. General Lafayette Marker

Inscription. After visiting the Brandywine Battlefield on July 26, 1825, General Lafayette came to West Chester. From a point half a block west from here, he reviewed troops parading in his honor.

Erected 1952 by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Patriots & Patriotism • War, US Revolutionary. In addition, it is included in the Lafayette’s Farewell Tour, and the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission series lists. A significant historical month for this entry is July 1943.

Location. 39° 57.92′ N, 75° 36.304′ W. Marker is in West Chester, Pennsylvania, in Chester County. Marker is on North Matlack Street, on the right when traveling north. This marker is on the edge of a park, next to steps that take you from the sidewalk to the grass lawn of the park. East Lafayette Street meets Matlack Street a few steps away. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: West Chester PA 19380, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. 97th Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Marshall Square Park (within shouting distance of this marker); Marquis De LaFayette (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Simon Barnard Row

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

(approx. 0.2 miles away); David Townsend House (approx. 0.2 miles away); G. Raymond Rettew (approx. ¼ mile away); Woman's Rights Convention of 1852 (approx. ¼ mile away); Joseph T. Rothrock (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in West Chester.

More about this marker. This is not the original location of this marker. It was moved 1 block west. Troops did parade in this park, this marker is most likely the approximate position of the Generals viewing stand.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker.

Also see . . .
1. PA Explore History. (Submitted on December 7, 2011, by Keith S Smith of West Chester, Pennsylvania.)
2. Marquis de Lafayette - Wikipedia. (Submitted on December 7, 2011, by Keith S Smith of West Chester, Pennsylvania.)

Additional commentary.
1. General Lafayette -
On June 13, 1777, the nineteen-year-old Marquis de Lafayette arrived in Charleston, South Carolina, to fight alongside the Americans in their struggle for independence. Lafayette brought with him a commission as a major

Photographed By Keith S Smith, December 4, 2001

2. General Lafayette Marker

general, which he had received from the American delegation in Paris the previous December, and a firm belief in the “rights of man” and democratic government espoused by French Enlightenment thinkers. Carrying letters of recommendation from Benjamin Franklin and the good will of the Continental Congress, Lafayette joined the Continental Army as it tried to defend Philadelphia from the British invasion of Pennsylvania.

— Submitted December 7, 2011, by Keith S Smith of West Chester, Pennsylvania.

General the Marquis de Lafayette image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Allen C. Browne, September 5, 2015

3. General the Marquis de Lafayette

This portrait of Lafayette by an unknown American Artist hangs in the Museum of the Historical Society of Maryland in Baltimore.

Credits. This page was last revised on December 4, 2019. It was originally submitted on December 7, 2011, by Keith S Smith of West Chester, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 1,079 times since then and 36 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 7, 2011, by Keith S Smith of West Chester, Pennsylvania. 3. submitted on November 7, 2015, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.