The Museum of Culpeper History presents “Culpeper Hosts a Hero,” an exhibit highlighting General Lafayette’s historic visit to the town in August 1825. Rarely noted in official records of his tour of the United States, the Frenchman’s short stop in Culpeper was documented in detail by Capt. Philip Slaughter, Culpeper native and Revolutionary War veteran. Slaughter’s diary provides a rare glimpse of the General’s itinerary, the numerous activities organized to honor the “Guest of the Nation,” and those individuals who arranged the whirlwind of events. The exhibit includes an annotated map of Culpeper showing three locations which hosted events for the General and his entourage on August 22nd.

The exhibit explores this honorable man, his contributions to the young nation, and his life-long affection for his adopted country. Beyond the unprecedented reception he received during his 13-month tour of the United States in 1824-25, Lafayette’s visit was celebrated in Culpeper during the 1925 Centennial, and even today, in the Bicentennial festivities across the eastern and southern states during the last year and half.