June 24, 2025

Beaufort Celebrates 200th Anniversary of Lafayette’s Visit

News Summary

Beaufort is celebrating the bicentennial of Marquis de Lafayette’s visit with various events until March 18. The festivities include a re-creation of Lafayette’s arrival, a historic ball, educational lectures, art exhibits, and living history demonstrations. These activities honor Lafayette’s contributions to American independence and highlight his lasting legacy in Beaufort. The Historic Beaufort Foundation, in collaboration with local organizations, is ensuring a comprehensive celebration of this significant historical event.

Beaufort Celebrates 200th Anniversary of Marquis de Lafayette’s Visit with Bicentennial Events

The bicentennial celebration marking Marquis de Lafayette’s visit to Beaufort in 1825 is now underway and will continue until March 18. A series of events are designed to honor Lafayette’s contributions to American independence and highlight his lasting impact on Beaufort and the larger community.

Among the key events planned for the celebration is a re-creation of Lafayette’s arrival in Beaufort on March 18, featuring a boat arrival at 10 AM, followed by a parade processions through downtown. The festivities will include a 13-gun salute and a cannon salute, conducted by the Sons of the American Revolution Color Guard, adding historical significance to the day’s events.

Featured Events and Activities

Throughout the duration of the celebration, attendees can look forward to a variety of engaging activities. Notable among them is a ball titled “Dancing With Lafayette,” scheduled for March 18 from 5:30 to 8 PM, which aims to recreate the dance that was planned during Lafayette’s original visit. Tickets are required for this event, as well as for some other activities associated with the celebration.

In addition to the ball, there are educational opportunities with special lectures scheduled, including a notable discussion titled “How Liberty Found a Country.” This lecture will feature contributions from historian Mark Schneider and Dr. John McCardell, making it an informative experience for those interested in the historical context of Lafayette’s visit.

The Beaufort County Library will also be involved, offering a selection of activities to engage residents and visitors alike. One such initiative is “In the Footsteps of Lafayette: An Artistic Expression,” an art exhibit and sale that is inspired by Lafayette and is sponsored by Elevate Art. Furthermore, a Lafayette Traveling Display can be viewed at the Beaufort History Museum until March 14, providing additional context to Lafayette’s historical significance.

Commemorative Elements

As part of the bicentennial observance, a marker will be dedicated in front of the John Mark Verdier House, serving as a permanent reminder of Lafayette’s visit. The Historic Beaufort Foundation has played a crucial role in organizing these festivities, collaborating with various local, state, regional, and national groups to ensure a comprehensive and impactful celebration.

Living History and Exhibits

Visitors to the celebration can expect engaging living history demonstrations and exhibits at multiple venues, including the Beaufort History Museum and the John Mark Verdier House. These displays are designed to educate attendees about the historical context of Lafayette’s visit and the broader implications it had on American independence.

The overall goal of the bicentennial events is to reflect on the significance of Marquis de Lafayette’s contributions not just to Beaufort, but to the fabric of American history. Lafayette’s dedication during the Revolutionary War and his interactions with communities like Beaufort serve as a crucial link to understanding the country’s past, making this 200th anniversary a key moment for reflection and celebration.

As the events progress towards the grand re-creation of Lafayette’s arrival and the closing ball, attendees are encouraged to participate in the festivities that honor this key historical figure and his enduring legacy.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Historic Beaufort Foundation Celebrates Leadership Changes
Bicentennial Celebration of Lafayette’s Visit to Beaufort
Beaufort Celebrates 200 Years Since Lafayette’s Visit

Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT

The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.

STAFF HERE BEAUFORT

The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.

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