Lafayettes Farewell Tour in Wheeling

May 27, 2025
12:00pm - 1:00pm

Wheeling Welcomes Lafayette! A Special Bicentennial Presentation

This May, Wheeling proudly celebrates the 200th anniversary of a historic visit—the arrival of the legendary Marquis de Lafayette!

In 1824, at the invitation of President James Monroe, Lafayette—the last surviving major general of the American Revolution—embarked on an extraordinary farewell tour of the United States. Over the course of two years, the war hero and international icon traveled more than 6,000 miles, visiting all 24 states, including Virginia and what is now West Virginia. On May 24, 1825, Wheeling had the honor of welcoming him.

Join Dr. Iris de Rode, an expert on the French-American alliance during the Revolution, for an illuminating talk on Lafayette’s visit, his lifelong dedication to the cause of American independence, and other French allies who helped shape the nation's destiny alongside him. Drawing from unpublished research in France, Dr. de Rode will offer fresh insights into Lafayette’s role in history and his deep connections to figures like his uncle, François-Jean de Chastellux—a key strategist in Washington and Rochambeau’s army.

As the United States approaches the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, this presentation is a timely reflection on the legacy of those who fought to secure America’s freedom.

About the Speaker:

Dr. Iris de Rode earned her Ph.D. from Université de Paris VIII for her award-winning research on Chastellux, later published by Éditions Honoré Champion and honored with the Prix Guizot from the Académie Française. A leading historian of Franco-American relations, she has received 20+ fellowships from institutions including George Washington’s Mount Vernon and Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello. She currently serves as a postdoctoral fellow at the Karsh Institute of Democracy at the University of Virginia and is preparing her forthcoming book in English, to be published in 2026.

Lunch With Books Livestream starts at noon on Facebook and YouTube.

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"Lunch With Books" is the library’s flagship program for adult patrons. These lunchtime programs feature authors, poets, musicians, historians, and more every Tuesday at noon. Bring lunch (to the Library Auditorium or your computer), feed your brain!