Morris County marks Lafayette’s bicentennial farewell tour with historic celebration
MORRISTOWN, N.J. (Morris County) — The spirit of 1825 returned to Morristown on Sunday as Morris County and local organizations honored the 200th anniversary of General Marquis de Lafayette’s Farewell Tour with a day of tributes, music, and reenactments.
The French hero of the American Revolution was celebrated nationwide during his return to the United States between 1824 and 1825, when he visited 24 states as a “Guest of the Nation.” On July 14, 1825, Lafayette stopped in Morristown — a visit now marked exactly 200 years later with community festivities.
Hosted by the American Friends of Lafayette and local partners, Sunday’s commemorative events began on the Morristown Green with a parade, military reenactments, patriotic music, and public tributes to Lafayette’s enduring contributions to American independence.
Morris County Commissioners Deputy Director Stephen Shaw and Commissioners John Krickus and Christine Myers presented an official resolution to local event organizers Wendy York, Ryan Dawson, Carol Barkin, American Friends of Lafayette Executive Director Chuck Schwam, and historical reenactor Michael Halbert, who portrayed General Lafayette.
The day also included a salute to U.S. military veterans, both past and present, and a world premiere of “The Lafayette Suite” performed by The Baroque Orchestra of New Jersey — a musical work written in honor of the general’s legacy.
Sunday’s celebration ties into a broader series of events leading to the United States’ 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026. Morris County has already hosted commemorations including a Revolutionary War cannon rededication, the “Two Lights If By Sea” Paul Revere campaign, and the flying of a prototype semiquincentennial flag over Memorial Day weekend.
Lafayette’s visit to Morristown in 1825 was his second; during the Revolutionary War in 1780, he had met with General George Washington in the town to deliver news of France’s support for the American cause.
The day concluded with “Fête Lafayette,” a reenactment ball at the historic Sansay House — the same venue where Lafayette was honored two centuries ago. Guests in Regency-era attire and cocktail wear gathered for an evening of music and dancing that capped the historical celebration.
Morris County officials recognized the efforts of the Morris County Tourism Bureau, Park Commission, Heritage Commission, Historical Society, Chamber of Commerce, and many volunteers and partners for their roles in bringing the region’s 250th anniversary events to life.
For more information, visit morriscounty250.org
