Lafayette, Gilbert Du Motier, Marquis de, 1757-1834

The Marquis de Lafayette was a French nobleman who volunteered to join the Continental Army during the American Revolution. Lafayette was wounded at the Battle of Brandywine, and returned to France during the war to secure guns and ships from France pivotal to the Americans' successful war efforts. After his return to the U.S., he commanded troops during the Siege of Yorktown, which was the decisive victory that ended the war in 1781. He returned to the U.S. two times, in 1784-5, and in 1824, as the "Nation's Guest" touring all 24 U.S. states.