Story of Washington and Lafayette brought to life by Chester County DAR Chapter

On Sept. 24, the Chester County Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution presented a program “Adopted Father/Adopted Son, The Story of George Washington and the Marquis de Lafayette As Told by the Women Who Knew and Loved Them” in the Struble room at the Exton Library.

Patricia L. Maclay, of American Friends of Lafayette and DAR National Vice Chair for Commemorative Events, gave the presentation in preparation for the Bicentennial of Lafayette’s Farewell Tour celebration.

Lafayette was 19 years of age when he joined General George Washington in the American fight for freedom. Wounded in the calf while fighting alongside Washington at the Battle of Brandywine on September 11, 1777, Lafayette and Washington soon developed a father/son relationship that lasted the rest of their lives.

In July of 1824, Lafayette returned to the United States to tour the 24 states and was given a hero’s welcome. Parades and festivities would last until September of 1825. The celebration of the Bicentennial of Lafayette’s Farewell Tour will begin on Aug. 16, 2024, in New York City and will last 13 months. The tour will follow Lafayette’s footsteps in the exact order he traveled the country.

In addition to the program were exhibits from The Chadds Ford Historical Society, The Friends of Martin’s Tavern, and Sons of the American Revolution. Local author Catherine Quillman was there with her most recent book, “The Brandywine Battlefield, The Untold Story of Its History and Preservation.”

In keeping with the spirit of the event, DAR hostesses provided light refreshments of French pastries and cakes.

The National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution, headquartered in Washington D.C., is a non-profit, non-political service organization that honors both men and women whose sacrifices made our country free. Members are direct descendants of a Patriot who furthered the cause for American independence. They may have fought, swore an oath to the new nation or provided supplies/financial support. The organization promotes patriotism, education and historic preservation within our communities.

Visit www.dar.org to learn more about the Daughters of the American Revolution.