Lex Talk History: Lexington to celebrate 200th anniversary of General Lafayette's visit to the Bluegrass

By Alan Lytle

Published May 5, 2025 at 11:58 AM EDT

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Image of General Lafayette painted by Matthew Harris Jouett while Lafayette was in Lexington.

2025 marks the 200th anniversary of the Marquis de LaFayette’s historic tour of the United States. LaFayette, then the last surviving major general of the Revolutionary War, received a hero’s greeting at many stops, including his visit to Lexington. In this edition of Lex Talk History Mandy and Alan get a visit from Lexington History Museum trustee-emeritus Bill Swinford; arguably the most knowledgeable source on the subject. Bill previews a number of Lafayette anniversary events coming up this month.

Keeneland Library is hosting a special ticketed Lafayette event. Info below:

Keene Place Reception, Lexington, KY

Join organizers at Gratz Park for the setting of a historic marker honoring the legacy of Lafayette, the namesake of Fayette County. The ceremony will take place at 3 p.m., Friday, May 16, 200 years to the day after the General’s visit to Transylvania University, which was then located in Gratz Park. Free and open to the public.

Bicentennial of Lafayette’s Tour Visits Lexington, KY

Lafayette Dinner in Lexington, KY

Bicentennial of Lafayette’s Tour Visits Georgetown, KY

Click the link below for the 250 Lex official website:

https://250lex.com/

Start your journey with the Lexington History Museum:

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