Welcome Ceremony at the Grand Staircase for General Lafayette

Start: Saturday, April 26, 2025 1:00PM
End: Saturday, April 26, 2025 2:30PM

In a grand recreation of the historic event, the city of St. Louis will celebrate the bicentennial of General Lafayette’s monumental visit with a vibrant and ceremonious reenactment. In place of the Riverboat Natchez, Lafayette will arrive on the Riverboat, Tom Sawyer.

The air will be filled with a sense of history coming alive as costumed participants gather at the base of the Grand Staircase in the Gateway Arch National Park, portraying such notable figures from that era as Mayor Lane, Territorial Governor William Clark and Senator Thomas Hart Benton, who will be ready to extend their warm greetings to the esteemed guest.

When General Lafayette, portrayed by a distinguished actor, steps onto the dock, members of the Sons of the American Revolution will escort him to the base of the Grand Staircase, where he will be welcomed by St. Louis dignitaries and representatives of patriotic and historical societies.

General Lafayette, standing tall and dignified, will respond with an eloquent speech, expressing his heartfelt appreciation and joy at seeing the descendants of his American comrades, as well as the legacy of French-American friendship flourishing in the city. The presence of Lafayette’s son, George Washington Lafayette, and his secretary, Col. Le Vasseur, will add an authentic touch to the reenactment, as descendants of historical figures mingle with participants.

The event will not only pay tribute to an iconic moment in the city’s history but also celebrate the enduring bonds between the United States and France, leaving attendees with a profound sense of connection to their heritage.