History of Lafayette Society
In 1983, the Lafayette Society raised the money to erect the statue of
Lafayette that stands in Cross Creek Park. That same year, the society
organized a city-wide celebration to commemorate the bicentennial of
the city’s name change to Fayetteville. In 1783, Fayetteville was the
first city in the United States to name itself in honor of the Marquis
de Lafayette and the only city so named that he actually visited.
Each year the society awards scholarships to deserving students at its annual dinner.
History of the Lafayette 250th “Committee of Arrangements”
The Lafayette 250th Committee is made up of many dedicated citizens
representing a wide range of organizations and agencies in
Fayetteville. The Lafayette 250th “Committee of Arrangements” is
coordinating the celebration on behalf of the Lafayette Society.
The 250th Birthday Celebration truly is a collaborative effort to
create a series of events that will benefit the entire community, while
enhancing Fayetteville’s reputation throughout the state.
The mission of the group is to develop and direct events and activities
that celebrate the 250th birthday and of the Marquis de Lafayette and
his visit to Fayetteville, NC.
Goals
· To raise awareness of the profound contributions by
Lafayette to the American Revolution and to our nation’s history.
· To raise awareness of Lafayette’s lifelong
dedication to and promotion of equal rights for all men and his
advocacy for the abolition of slaves.
· To raise awareness of Fayetteville, NC, as the
first city to be named for Lafayette and the only one so named that he
visited.
· To raise awareness of Fayetteville’s rich and colorful history that predates the American Revolution.
· To enhance Fayetteville’s image throughout NC and to promote tourism.
· To use this celebration as an educational tool for
our school children in the areas of history, language and the arts.
· To initiate an annual observance of Lafayette’s birthday every September 6th in Fayetteville, NC.
