The Marquis de Lafayette was a 19-year-old Frenchman who volunteered to join the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War in 1777. He was able to secure France's assistance in the war effort, which has been credited in the success of the Continental Army's defeat of the British at the Battle of Yorktown in 1781.

In 1824, President James Monroe invited Lafayette to return to America, a trip that became known as Lafayette's "Farewell Tour." Planning to stay just three months, Lafayette extended his visit to 13 months because of the number of people who wanted to honor the Revolutionary War hero. During 1824 and 1825, Lafayette traveled more than 6,000 miles to all 24 states in the country, including Pennsylvania.

To commemorate the 200th anniversary of that visit, American Friends of Lafayette established a nationwide committee consisting of more than 500 individuals representing those 24 states that Lafayette visited. Events are being planned by communities to trace Lafayette's footsteps on the exact dates and in the exact order he followed on his Farewell Tour of America.

Locally, a re-creation of his visit to Lancaster and Chester counties will take place on Sunday, July 27, through Tuesday, July 29. The event has been in the planning stages for the past four years. "Basically, I started by researching exactly what Lafayette did when he came to this area. We took that as the framework and wanted to create historically accurate events based on what happened in 1825," explained Kathleen Hood, Lancaster Lafayette200 Bicentennial coordinator. "I have been working with a phenomenal planning committee. It's exciting that it is all coming to fruition." She added that she hopes the events will make Lancaster and Chester counties proud.

During the celebration, Ben Goldman, who hails from Washington, D.C., will portray Lafayette.

Events will begin on July 27 with Breakfast with Lafayette at the Historic Stottsville Inn. A fee will be charged for the event, which will include breakfast, period music, historic re-enactors and a ceremony.

Other events on July 27 will include a parade through Parkesburg (formerly known as Fountain Inn). Lafayette will travel by horse and carriage through the town, and he will also offer a short speech.

Other events on July 27 will include the following: a Lafayette Tea at historic White Chimneys, which will include period music and a display by the Salisbury Township Historical Society; a free ceremony and Troop Muster at Lafayette Fire Company and Lafayette Tower Park; a stop at Franklin & Marshall College; and a Bicentennial Candlelight Dinner and Period Ball at the historic Trust46 building. Tickets will be required for the dinner.

On July 28, Lafayette Day at Historic Rock Ford will take place, featuring a Lafayette exhibit, Revolutionary War encampment, crafts, speakers, music, food and dancing.

An Evening with Lafayette Musical Performance will take place at the Ware Center on July 28. The free event will feature performances by Allegro Orchestra; Gospel Choir; MFE Community Chorus; Central York Fife & Drum Corps; and James Wolpert of Lancaster, who appeared on the TV show "The Voice."

The Lafayette200 Closing Ceremony and Grand Sendoff at Historic Drumore Estate will conclude the events on July 29. A fee will be charged for the event, which will include a French-inspired brunch.

Other featured activities during the three-day celebration will include a Lafayette200 Lafayette in Lancaster exhibit, Lafayette200 Walking History Tours, Lafayette Day at the Lancaster Stormers, Marquis Monday author webinars, Lafayette educational resources, a preview reception at the Sehner-Ellicott von Hess Building and the release of a special edition commemorative book titled "Marquis de Lafayette Visits Lancaster."

For more information, including specific locations and start times, and to register for events, visit http://www.lafayette200pa.org. Those with questions may contact Hood at kadaholo@verizon.net.