General Lafayette

One of the great heroes of the American revolution was Gilbert de Motier, more widely known in the US as General Lafayette.

General Lafayette was very young when he sneaked out of France against the orders of the King to go to American and fight with General Washington.

Lafayette has many towns and places named after him in the US.  Probably only Washington and Lincoln have more.

Lafayette and Washington became close friends and when Lafayette was wounded, Washington told medics to take care of him "as if he were my son."

Lafayette, though very young, became an important military strategist for Washington and developed hit and run attacks that made the British crazy and preserved his forces.

Lafayette also had a strong role in getting French help for the Americans.  The King of France forgave Lafayette and allowed Lafayette to talk him into providing money, troops and the help of the French fleet--all of which proved crucial at the Battle of Yorktown, where the British surrendered and the battle for our freedom was won!

Lafayette was much beloved and when he returned later in life, he was greeted by hundreds of thousands of grateful Americans.  Congress voted to make Lafayette an honorary US Citizen, but Lafayette returned to France where he helped lead the French revolution.

While Lafayette was a nobleman, a Marquis, he preferred the title of General he received serving the American army under Washington.  Today, you can visit the General's grave in Paris!  If you can find it!  Marmots are not allowed in the graveyard!

You can also see General Lafayette's headquarters at Valley Forge.

Do you know of a place named after General Lafayette?  If part of your address is named after Lafayette, put it in the comments!