Be sure to stop by the Library to explore the Lafayette Historical Society’s new display honoring the Bicentennial Farewell Tour of the Marquis de Lafayette!
Who was Lafayette, and why does he still matter today? Born in France in 1757, the Marquis de Lafayette was no ordinary teenager. At just 19, he defied expectations—and his king—by sailing to America in 1777 to join the fight for independence. With no formal combat experience, he quickly proved himself a brilliant strategist, becoming a trusted ally of General George Washington. His efforts helped secure crucial French military aid, and his leadership on the battlefield contributed to the decisive victory at Yorktown.
Lafayette’s passion for liberty didn’t stop with the American Revolution. Upon returning to France, he became a champion for democratic reforms and played a pivotal role in the French Revolution. However, his ideals put him at odds with the shifting tides of power, leading to his imprisonment for five years. Thanks to the intervention of American leaders, he regained his freedom in 1797.
Nearly three decades later, in 1824, Lafayette embarked on a grand tour of the United States as the “Nation’s Guest,” visiting all 24 states. His legacy was so profound that cities and towns across the country—many of which he never visited—were named in his honor. Lafayette County, Wisconsin, holds special significance for our town. Why? Because it was the home of Adeline Gorham Shreve, wife of Benjamin Shreve, who opened Lafayette’s first general store (now the Sideboard Restaurant) in 1850.
When Benjamin Shreve later sought to establish a post office in his store, he originally proposed the name Centerville—given our location as a central hub between key routes to redwoods in Canyon to Martinez, and the road from agricultural Contra Costa to Oakland. However, that name was already taken. That’s when Adeline suggested “Lafayette,” inspired by her home county. The name was accepted, and in 1857, the Lafayette Post Office officially opened.
The Marquis de Lafayette passed away in 1834, but his legacy endures. He rests in Paris’ Picpus Cemetery, buried under American soil—a powerful symbol of the unbreakable bond between the U.S. and France. Every July 4th, a ceremony is held at his grave to honor his contributions to freedom.
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