News Summary
The bicentennial celebration of the Marquis de Lafayette’s historic visit to Beaufort is underway, featuring lectures, reenactments, and a grand ball. The event commemorates Lafayette’s contributions to American independence and includes various activities until March 2025, showcasing his pivotal role in history.
Beaufort, South Carolina – The bicentennial celebration of the historic visit from the Marquis de Lafayette to Beaufort commenced this past week and will continue through March 18, 2025. This event commemorates Lafayette’s significant contributions to America’s independence, as well as the impact of his visit, which is considered a pivotal moment in the city’s history.
Activities planned for the celebration include lectures, dances, living history interpretations, and an engaging performance by historical interpreter Mark Schneider. The official planning for this significant event began in August, highlighting the city’s commitment to honoring its past.
Currently, informative display boards are set up at City Hall, the Beaufort History Museum, and the John Mark Verdier House Museum, offering insights into Lafayette’s role in American history and the specifics of his visit. These exhibits will be available for public viewing until March 14, 2025.
A standout feature of the commemoration is the reenactment of Lafayette’s arrival on March 18. This event will include a boat arriving at Waterfront Park, where a ceremonial 13-musket salute, a cannon salute, and a Color Guard display by the Sons of the American Revolution will take place. Attendees can also expect addresses by Lafayette, along with speeches from state and local dignitaries, living history demonstrations, and informative museum exhibits aimed at enhancing the community’s understanding of this historical figure.
The culmination of the festivities will be a grand ball titled “Dancing With Lafayette” at the Beaufort History Museum on the evening of March 18. Tickets are now available for this elegant event and for other scheduled activities through the Historic Beaufort Foundation’s website, ensuring that community members can participate in this historical celebration.
In addition to the main events, the celebration also includes a variety of educational activities. Families can enjoy “Toys & Games of 1825” sessions at the Beaufort County Library, an art exhibit inspired by Lafayette, and other historical reenactments. These activities are designed to engage the public and foster a deeper understanding of the historical context of Lafayette’s visit.
Backgrounding the event, the Marquis de Lafayette was a French nobleman and military officer who volunteered to fight for the Continental Army in the American Revolutionary War. His invaluable contributions included involvement in the decisive siege of Yorktown in 1781, greatly aiding the American struggle for independence. Lafayette’s connection to Beaufort dates back to his celebrated visit in 1825, which was marked by a warm reception from the townspeople and a 13-gun salute.
The city plans to erect a historical marker at the Lafayette Building, initially constructed by John Mark Verdier around 1804. This marker will serve as a testament to Lafayette’s enduring significance in Beaufort’s history and to the legacy of his contributions to America.
The bicentennial celebration enjoys backing from various organizations, including the Historic Beaufort Foundation, the City of Beaufort, along with local arts and historical institutes. Through these events, the celebration seeks to honor Lafayette’s memory and contributions to American independence while emphasizing the historical importance of his visit to Beaufort.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Beaufort Celebrates 200 Years Since Lafayette’s Visit
Additional Resources
- Explore Beaufort SC
- WTOC
- WITN
- Your Island News
- Reflector
- Wikipedia: Marquis de Lafayette
- Google Search: Marquis de Lafayette Beaufort
- Google Scholar: Marquis de Lafayette
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Lafayette
- Google News: Beaufort South Carolina
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.
