Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert Du Motier, better known as the Marquis de Lafayette, was one of the last living major generals of the American Revolution. This French aristocrat became a symbol of courage and loyalty, bridging the divide between the New World and the Old. Nearly two centuries ago, President James Monroe invited Lafayette to commemorate America’s 50th anniversary by embarking on a grand tour of all 24 states. That journey, spanning 1824 to 1825, brought Lafayette back to places where his legacy had been written—Delaware among them.
Born into an ancient noble family in central France in 1757, Lafayette’s early life was marked by tragedy. By age 12, he was an orphan, having lost his father in battle and his mother and grandfather soon after. This left young Lafayette as the wealthiest orphan in France. Despite his losses, he followed family tradition and pursued military training, eventually marrying Adrienne de Noailles, whose influential family ensured his rapid rise through the ranks.
Lafayette’s interest in the American Revolution began with a chance encounter at a dinner where an English royal described the colonial uprising. Lafayette was captivated. “My heart was enlisted,” he later wrote. Against the wishes of King Louis XVI, Lafayette defied orders and sailed for America aboard his ship, La Victoire, landing in South Carolina in 1777. His journey north took him through Delaware’s Christiana crossroads, where his destiny intertwined with that of the fledgling United States.
Hale-Byrnes House
Generals Washington and Lafayette met here prior to Battle of Brandywine. Restored house, originally built 1750s. Open first Wednesday of each…
Soon after his arrival, Congress was reluctant to accept the young Frenchman’s commission as a major general, particularly as he came with no battlefield experience. But Lafayette offered to serve without pay, a gesture that earned him an appointment as George Washington’s aide-de-camp. He quickly became one of Washington’s most trusted allies, sharing both the hardships of war and the hope for independence.
In August 1777, Lafayette joined Washington in Wilmington, Delaware, where the Continental Army established headquarters on Quaker Hill. Local lore holds that Washington stayed at 303 West Street, while Lafayette resided next door at 301 West Street. From there, they scouted British forces advancing from Maryland.
During his time in Delaware, Lafayette also stayed at the Hale-Byrnes House, a site steeped in history and significance. This historic home, located near Stanton, Delaware served as a key meeting point for military leaders during the Revolutionary War. Its strategic location near the Christina River made it an ideal place for planning and discussion, particularly as the region became a battleground for control of vital supplies. Lafayette’s stay at the Hale-Byrnes House is a testament to its importance in the war effort, as it hosted conversations that shaped military strategies and cemented alliances. Today, the Hale-Byrnes House stands as a preserved piece of Delaware’s Revolutionary War history, reminding us of its role in shaping the nation’s fight for independence.
Quaker Hill Meeting House
Since 1738 the Wilmington Monthly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends has been a presence on the high point of land between Fourth and West and Washington Streets. It's small cemetery is the…
The story goes that drenched and weary from reconnaissance missions, Lafayette and Washington once sought shelter at a local inn near Iron Hill. The elderly proprietress, wary of spies, denied them a bed, and the generals slept by the fire instead. Only in the morning did she realize the tall man mounting his horse was George Washington himself. Overcome with regret, she cried, “To think I let George Washington sleep on the floor when I had plenty of good beds!”
Delaware played a significant role in the Revolutionary War. Its mills supplied vital resources to the Continental Army, including flour from Joseph Tatnall’s operations along the Brandywine Creek. Tatnall, a Quaker, famously told Washington, “I cannot fight for thee, but I can and will feed thee.” Recognizing the strategic importance of these mills, Washington ordered the millstones removed to prevent their use by the British. Some of these stones remain today, embedded in walls and public spaces across Delaware.
Lafayette’s first taste of battle came shortly after his stay in Delaware. During the Battle of Brandywine on September 11, 1777, he rushed to the front lines to rally faltering American troops, suffering a gunshot wound to the leg. Despite the injury, he continued to inspire his comrades before retreating to safety. This moment cemented his reputation as a fearless leader and unwavering supporter of the American cause.
Years later, Lafayette’s return to Delaware during his 1824-1825 tour was met with great fanfare. By this time, he was celebrated as the “Hero of Two Worlds,” a title reflecting his pivotal roles in both the American and French revolutions. He rekindled friendships with prominent Delaware families, including the du Ponts, whose contributions to the state’s economic and cultural landscape were just beginning to take shape.
More Revolutionary History Around Wilmington
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One particularly poignant tale from his visit involves a Delaware woman named Belle McCloskey. Local tradition claims that during the Battle of Brandywine, McCloskey removed the bullet from Lafayette’s leg and kept it as a keepsake. When Lafayette returned decades later, she presented him with the very same bullet, a symbol of her admiration and his resilience.
For Lafayette, the tour was more than a journey through familiar places. It was a testament to the progress and promise of a nation he had helped shape. From bustling cities to quiet villages, Americans of all walks of life turned out to honor the Frenchman who had fought alongside them for liberty. In Delaware, as elsewhere, his presence served as a reminder of the sacrifices and triumphs that defined the Revolution.
Today, reminders of Lafayette’s time in Delaware endure in historical landmarks and cherished stories. From Claymont to Quaker Hill to the mills of Brandywine Village, and from the Hale-Byrnes House to the streets of New Castle, his legacy is woven into the fabric of the state. As we prepare to mark the bicentennial of his historic tour, we’re reminded of the enduring bond between Delaware and the marquis who believed so deeply in the cause of freedom.