Lafayette Day in Chester

To celebrate General Lafayette’s return to Chester during his bicentennial tour, Delaware County hosted an event at the 1724 Chester Courthouse and the Avenue of the States.

Gilbert du Motier de La Fayette, Marquis de La Fayette was a French nobleman who volunteered to join the Continental Army under General Washington. On September 11, 1777, the Battle of Brandywine was fought on the fields of the Brandywine Valley at Chadds Ford, now in Chester and Delaware Counties. Although it was an American loss, the strategic retreat allowed General Washington to warn Congress of the British march on Philadelphia later that month. Lafayette was wounded in the leg on the field of battle, but he was able to retreat to Chester and prevent the British from entering the town. His wound was dressed in Chester and thus started his long-time connection to the town. Spilling his blood on American soil solidified his status as a hero. In 1824, Lafayette was invited by President James Monroe, who he had fought with during the Revolutionary War, to come visit the United States. He visited Chester on the night of October 5, 1824, arriving by boat from Philadelphia. He was greeted by the townspeople who lined the street from the docks with tall candles. He went to the place where his wound was dressed (location unconfirmed) and had dinner at 1 am in the Grand Jury Room of the Courthouse.

200 years later, the American Friends of Lafayette have organized a committee to commemorate this Farewell Tour of Lafayette to recreate his journey throughout the 13 months and 24 states he visited. More information about the Bicentennial tour is at lafayatte200.org.

On October 5, 2024, the Delaware County Planning Department, in partnership with other County departments, the City of Chester, American Friends of Lafayette, America250PADelco, and historical organizations, held an event to commemorate Lafayette’s return to Chester. He was greeted by visitors holding large ‘candles’, like they did in 1824, and several speeches were held in the Courthouse in his honor. Historical groups and vendors were along the street for the visitors to learn more about them or to purchase Lafayette-related memorabilia. County Council member Richard Womack, Chester City Mayor Stefan Roots, and other special guests were in attendance.

See photos from the event.

Questions about the 1724 Chester Courthouse? Contact the Planning Department at 610-891-5200 or Planning_Department@co.delaware.pa.us.