Lafayette served in the American Revolutionary War both as a general and as a diplomat, serving entirely without pay in both roles. Later, he was to prove a key figure in the early phases of the French Revolution, serving in the Estates General and the subsequent National Constituent Assembly. He was a leading figure among the Feuillants, who tried to turn France into a constitutional monarchy, and commander of the French National Guard. Accused by Jean-Paul Marat of responsibility for the "Massacre of the Champ de Mars" (before which, Lafayette was nearly assassinated), he subsequently was forced out of a leading role in the Revolution by Jacobin Terror anarchists. On August 19, 1792, the Jacobin party seized control of Paris and the National Assembly, ordering Lafayette's arrest. He fled France and was arrested by the Austrian army in Rochefort, Belgium. Thereafter, he spent five years in various Prussian and Austrian Empire prisons. He was released in 1797; however, Napoleon Bonaparte would not allow his return to France for several years. He continued to be active in French and European politics until his death in 1834.

The name "La Fayette" is derived from an estate in Aix that belonged to the Motier family in the 13th century. The original Gilbert Lafayette, Marshal of France, (from whom Lafayette draws his motto, "CUR NON?" - Latin for "WHY NOT?") fought, successfully, at the Battle of Baugé (also called Battle of Beauge) and nine years later for Joan of Arc. Lafayette's full name is seldom used in the United States, where he is usually known as "General Lafayette" or simply "Lafayette" (his preferences and as written on his birth certificate), but sometimes is called "the Marquis de Lafayette" (mistakenly or maliciously, if used in post 1790 references since he permanently renounced the nobility title on June 19, 1790) After 1790 and especially after the Bourbon Restoration, Lafayette's enemies viciously taunted him in the press by continually referring to him as "Marquis" and thereby using this propaganda to give Lafayette's supporters the false impression that he gave up on his life-long belief that "ALL men are created equal". Note that Lafayette may be written as one word or as two; one word is more typical in American usage and Lafayette's preference and as it appears on his grave stone, while the two-word form is preferred in contemporary British and French usage. Many places in the United States are named Lafayette, Fayette, or Fayetteville in his honor.

Lafayette was born at the Château de Chavaniac, near Le Puy-en-Velay, Haute-Loire, in the remote, mountainous Auvergne region of France, also known as the "Appalachia of France." He belonged to the cadet branch of the La Fayette family. His father was killed at the Battle of Minden in 1759 by a British cannon ball, and his mother and grandfather died in 1770. He was educated by his aunt and two priests (the second was the Abbe Fayon, Cure de Saint-Roch de Chavaniac), and at the Lycée Louis-le-Grand. At the age of 14, Lafayette chose to follow the career of his father and grandfather, entering the French army on April 9, 1771. At the age of 16 he married Marie-Adrienne-Françoise de Noailles, daughter of Jean-Paul-François, 5th duc de Noailles. Known as "Adrienne" or "Noailles Lafayette," she was famous for her simplicity, extraordinary charity, and bravery.

At 19, he was a captain of dragoons when the British colonies in America proclaimed their independence. He later wrote in his memoirs, "my heart was enrolled in it." Charles-François, comte de Broglie, whom he consulted, tried to discourage him from getting involved in the conflict. Broglie eventually presented him to Johann Kalb, who was also seeking service in America. On December 7, 1776, Lafayette made an arrangement through Silas Deane, an American agent in Paris, to enter the American service as a major general. At this moment, the news arrived of grave disasters to the American cause. Lafayette's friends "officially" advised him to give up. Even the king had to "officially" forbid his leaving after British spies discovered his plan (and other clandestine aid to Americans). At the insistence of the British ambassador, orders were issued to seize the ship Lafayette was fitting out at Bordeaux and to have Lafayette arrested. He eluded capture disguised as a courier and sailed for America with 11 companions. Although pursued by two British ships, he landed safely on North Island near Georgetown, South Carolina, on June 13, 1777 after a voyage of nearly two months.

Lafayette offered his services to the Americans as an unpaid volunteer. He presented himself to the Continental Congress with Deane's authority to request a commission of the highest rank after the commander-in-chief.

Congress then passed a resolution, on July 31, 1777, "that his services be accepted, and that, in consideration of his zeal, illustrious family, and connections, he have the rank and commission of major-general of the United States." The next day, Lafayette met George Washington, who became his lifelong friend. As a member of Washington's inner circle, Lafayette also became very close friends with young Alexander Hamilton, Washington's chief aide-de-camp.

Lafayette's first battle was Brandywine on September 11, 1777, where he was wounded in the leg. Shortly afterwards, he secured the command of a division — the immediate result of a communication from Washington to Congress of November 1, 1777, in which he said: "The Marquis de Lafayette is extremely solicitous of having a command equal to his rank. I do not know in what light Congress will view the matter, but it appears to me, from a consideration of his illustrious and, important connections, the attachment which he has manifested for our cause, and the consequences which his return in disgust might produce, that it will be advisable to gratify his wishes, and the more so as several gentlemen from France who came over under some assurances have gone back disappointed in their expectations. His conduct with respect to them stands in a favourable point of view—having interested himself to remove their uneasiness and urged the impropriety of their making any unfavourable representations upon their arrival at home. Besides, he is sensible, discreet in his manners, has made great proficiency in our language, and from the disposition he discovered at the battle of Brandywine possesses a large share of bravery and military ardour."

In the first months of 1778, Lafayette commanded troops detailed for the projected expedition against Canada. After that plan was aborted, Lafayette participated in the campaign in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, where he was commended for his retreat from Barren Hill (May 28, 1778), and fought at the Battle of Monmouth (June 28). He received from Congress a formal recognition of his services in the Rhode Island expedition (August 1778).

Meanwhile, the signing of a formal Treaty of Alliance between the United States and France on February 6, 1778, prompted by Great Britain to declare war against France. LaFayette asked leave to return to France to consult Louis XVI as to the further direction of his services.

Lafayette left for France on January 11, 1779, where he was made a colonel in the cavalry. After about six months, he returned to America. From April until October 1781, he was charged with the defense of Virginia, where he showed his zeal by borrowing money on his own account to provide his soldiers with necessaries. Washington commended him for doing all that was possible with the forces at his disposal. In the siege of Yorktown, Lafayette bore an honorable if not a distinguished part.

At the end of 1781, Lafayette returned to France, where he was welcomed as a hero and promoted to the rank of maréchal de camp (brigadier general) in the French army. Lafayette then helped prepare for a combined French and Spanish expedition against the British West India Islands, of which he was appointed chief-of-staff. The armistice signed on January 20, 1783, between the countries put a stop to the expedition.

Republican Compiler ( Gettysburg , Pennsylvania )

September 8, 1824

The following anecdote of our distinguished guest has been related. A gentleman while in conversation with him, observed that “he spoke the English language remarkably well.” “And why should I not,” replied the General, “being an American just returned from a long visit to Europe .” – Nat. Intel.

Republican Compiler ( Gettysburg , Pennsylvania )

September 8, 1824

From the N.Y. Com. Adv. Aug. 18

Embarkation of Gen. La Fayette at Havre

By the Don Quixotte, which arrived here yesterday, we received the following account, from an eye witness, of the arrival of Gen. La Fayette at Havre (France), and his embarkation on board of the Cadmus. How mean – contemptibly mean – were the vexations thrown in the way of the old veteran, and those who wished to do him honor, by the little tyrants of the Police.

“As it was expected that the General would arrive early in the afternoon of the 12th, several merchants, and a great number of young men left this place at 2 P.M. in carriages, gigs, and on horseback, to go out and meet Monsieur La Fayette at Harfleru, (6 miles from Havre), and accompany him into town. The American Consul, and all the American gentlemen, and captains of ships in the harbor, intended also paying that compliment to the General; but the Sous Prefet notified to the Consul, that the Americans must not do so.”

“The road for two miles out of town, continued crowded from 3 in the afternood till dark, when no tidings of the General having come, the people returned into town, where they remained in groups all the evening. Havre presented the appearance of a town in danger of an enemy’s approach. The guards were doubled at all the posts; patroles of soldiers,plicemen and gendarmes, marched about, and prevented the crowd from collecting in any one spot.”

“At a quarter past 10 the General arrived in a post carriage, with his son and secreatery. They were accompanied by the carriages that had gone out from Havre, and about 100 young men on horseback, all dressed alike. A strong body of gend armes escorted the cavalcade. On arriving at the entrance to the city, the gates were shut, and the guard drawn out with fixed bayonets. It was then asked if it was the Marquis de La Fayette, who was there, and on being answered that it was General La Fayette, the gate was opened to admit his carriage, and closed immediately to prevent the entry of any of those who had gone out to meet the General.”

“After repeated and unavailing attempts to get in, and expostulating with the officer on guard, this latter assured the gentlemen on his honor, that if they would go to the Poste de Pincettes, (a gate at the rear side of the city and a mile from the principalone, ) they would be admitted. On presenting themselves at the gate, it was closed, and they were desired to go back to the principal gate, where they were admitted, two by two, at intervals, and the names of several taken.”

“In the mean time the General proceeded to the house of Mr. Phillipon, (a most respectable merchant,) where an elegant dinner was provided, and a large party waiting to receive him. In the course of the entertainment, a stone was thrown by some miscreant, in through one of the windows, which passed close to the head of one of the gentlemen. On the morning of the 13th, crowds again assembled to witness the embarkation of the General, and the streets presented the same appearance as the evening before. A party of soldiers were drawn up opposite the Cadmus, on the customhouse quay, where it was supposed the embarkation would take place. Every impediment was used to prevent the people from showing any mark of respect. The Cadmus, in consequence of the tide’s falling was obliged to haul out into the roads. The General, accompanied by a body of gentlemen, arrived, and went on board the steam boat, which was previously cleared by order of the Police, who would not allow him to embark whilst any body of the town was on board. They also hauled down the flag belonging to the boat, and would not let it be hoisted whilst M. La Fayette was on board. The gates were shut, to prevent the people going to the pier-head to take a last view of the General. However, in this their efforts were unavailing, as every boat that could be had was immediately filled, and followed the steam boat to the Cadmus, two miles off. A gend’ arme and a police officer went out in the Cadmus, to prevent any body but the General and his suite going on board. On his coming alongside, he was received with hearty and repeated cheers from the ship, which were returned from the boats, and a few persons on shore, who had got out and assembled about half a mile from the pier, (to be out of the way of the military,) as there was a strong guard at the pier-head. This closed the scene.”

Republican Compiler ( Gettysburg , Pennsylvania )

September 15, 1824

From the Petersburg Intelligencer

In Virginia , when General La Fayette shall visit us, we possess but scant means of making a parade. We have no splendid palaces, ships, or steamboats, to make a display, and we can exhibit but little of the “pomp and circumstance of war” – but we can lead the veteran to the principal scenes of his early glory – we can ..?... him to the plains of York, and Petersburg, we can show him, on Boilingbrook Hill, the very house, still standing, from the upper story of which, with a cannon ball thrown from Archer’s Hill, on the opposite side of Appomattox River, he dislodged the British General Phillips, and caused his haughty enemy, who said the “Boy cannot escape me,” to retreat into the cellar. With these recollections to interest him; with an old-fashioned, downright Virginia welcome, the General will excuse deficiencies, and take the will for the deed. There may be something too much of show and ceremony even when originating in the most laudable and praiseworthy motives; but the extended hand – the heaving bosom – the glistening eye, speak a language that cannot be misunderstood, and which La Fayette will not fail to appreciate.

Republican Compiler ( Gettysburg , Pennsylvania )

September 15, 1824

From the N.Y. Eve. Post, Sept 1

On Friday, Gen. La Fayette, family and suite, dined at the seat of his Excellency Gov. Eustis, at Roxbury, near Boston . The preparations for his reception were remarkably splendid and tasteful. In the evening the front of his Excellency’s house was beautifully lighted by variegated lamps, and fireworks thrown upon the lawn. On Saturday forenoon the General received the congratulations of the citizens of Boston in the State House, and at 1 o’clock left town for Medford where he dined with Governor Brooks. In the afternoon he returned, and spent the evening with a large party at Mrs. Lloyd’s. Sunday morning, he attended divine service at Brattle Square meeting house, where he heard a sermon from the Rev. Mr. Palfrey, and, after service, went to Quincy to dine with the late president, Mr. John Adams. On the General’s visiting Bunker Hill, at Charlestown , he was addressed by Dr. A. R. Thompson; to which he made the following reply:

“With profound reverence, Sir, I tread this holy ground, where the blood of American patriots; the blood of Warren and his companions, gallantly and gloriously spilled – aroused the energy of three millions, and secured the happiness of ten millions and or many other millions of men in names to come. That blood has called both American continents to Republican Independence, and has awakened the nations of Europe to a sense, and, in future, I trust, to the practice of their rights. Such have been the effects of a resistance to oppression, which was, by many pretended wise men of the times, called rashness; - while it was duty, virtue; and had been a signal for the emancipation of mankind.”

“I beg you, Sir, and the Magistrates, and the citizens of Charlestown , to accept the homage of my gratitude for your kind welcome and of those sentiments of affection and respect, which for so many years I have cherished towards their town.”

Republican Compiler ( Gettysburg , Pennsylvania )

September 15, 1824

It is rumored in our circles (says the Boston Gazette) tha the Minister of his Most Christian Majesty has received orders not to extend any civility to the Marquis De La Fayette, now in this country; it is also stated, that the French and English Consuls, in Boston, have not paid their respects to the Marquis. The latter part of the story, we believe to be true; we have the honor of knowing these public functionaries, and have a high respect for both gentlemen, for their intelligence, urbanity and courtesy, and fully believe that political, and not personal reasons influence their conduct. We are not surprised at the fact, that such a man as the Marquis De La Fayette should be marked with the neglect of crowned heads.