Funkstown – Lafayette in Foggy Bottom

By Frank Leone

200 years ago, America welcomed the Marquis de Lafayette, “the Lancelot of the revolutionary set,” for a triumphant return visit. During his time in Washington, Lafayette stayed in Foggy Bottom/West End at John Gadsby’s Franklin House Hotel (21st and I Streets). He also attended the first graduation  from Columbian College, which later became George Washington University. The college was located on Meridian Hill at the time, but later moved to Foggy Bottom. GWU honored Lafayette by renaming a dormitory for him in 1997.

Portrait of Lafayette by Ary Scheffer, presented by Lafayette to Congress in 1825.  It was widely copied, but the original still hangs in the U.S Capitol House Chamber (Collection of the U.S. House of Representatives).

Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de La Fayette (1757-1834) was born to a wealthy but provincial noble family. He married into Paris royal society and pursued a military career, like his father, who had been killed in battle by the British during the Seven Years War. He was inspired by America’s fight for independence and, assuming his own expenses, left France (without the King’s required permission) and joined the American Revolution. He was a close aide to General George Washington, became a Major General at age 19, was wounded in battle, and commanded Continental Army troops at Yorktown in 1781, the Revolutionary War’s final major battle that secured American independence. Lafayette returned to France and was active during the French Revolution of 1789 and the July Revolution of 1830. He tried to play a moderating role, supporting a constitutional monarchy, but came under attack by both royalists and revolutionaries. 

Lafayette Hall today, across from the GWU Store on I Street (F. Leone, Nov. 2024).

In 1824, at age 67, Lafayette returned to America and was rapturously greeted by people of all stations. Over the course of 13 months, he visited all 24 states on horseback, by carriage or by boat – a rigorous schedule for a man his age. He called on old friends including Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and George Washington’s family (including Thomas and Martha Peters at Tudor House). Given his popularity, he was invited to join other honored guests at the first commencement of Columbian College, which had an enrollment of 103 students and a graduating class of three. This month we recognize the 200th anniversary of the ceremony that was held on Dec. 15, 1824 at Dr. Laurie's Meeting House (Presbyterian Church) on F Street between 14th and 15th  Streets. It was attended by President James Monroe, Secretary of State John Quincy Adams, Secretary of War John C. Calhoun, and many members of Congress. After the ceremony, General Lafayette joined the college’s first president, The Reverend Dr. William Staughton at a reception and dinner.  Lafayette expressed his thanks for the honor done him and his wishes for the prosperity of the College and shook the hand of each graduate.

Lafayette Hall features a medallion and plaque honoring General Lafayette (F. Leone, Dec. 2024).

In 1997, GWU dedicated Lafayette Hall (2100 I Street NW). The eight-story building was originally constructed as The Barclay Apartments in 1925 (arch. Stern & Tomlinson). GWU purchased the building in 1961 and named it after Vice President John C. Calhoun, an ardent defender of slavery. Originally an all-male dormitory, it became co-ed in 1987. In March 1988, GWU determined that honoring white supremacist Calhoun was inappropriate and renamed the dorm for John Quincy Adams, a benefactor of the University.  (Note that GWU had another John Quincy Adams Hall, which was a men's only dormitory at 1900 H St. NW from 1958-1974. It was torn down to make room for the International Monetary Fund building. The Marquis would be honored to know his namesake building is protected from demolition, as Lafayette Hall is included in the George Washington University/Old West End Historic District.

Sources and further reading: Laura Auricchio, The Marquis: Lafayette Reconsidered, Vintage Books, 2015; Elizabeth Reese, Marquis de Lafayette Returns: A Tour of America’s National Capital Region, History Press, 2024; Sarah Vowell, Lafayette in the Somewhat United States, Riverhead Books, 2015; Elmer Luis Kayser, Bricks without Straw: The Evolution of George Washington University, Appleton-Century-Crofts, 1970; Lin-Manuel Miranda & Jeremy McCarter, Hamilton: The Revolution, Grand Central Pub, 2016; The American Friends of Lafayette; FBA History Project.