Aug 26, 2018 2 min read

The Marquis de Lafayette was a French aristocrat who joined the American Revolutionary War at his own request, becoming one of America’s most successful leaders in combat and Gen. George Washington’s most loyal companion.

At the invitation of President James Monroe, Lafayette toured the United States from 1824-25, celebrating the 50th anniversary of American independence. Local newspapers, the Examiner of May 28, 1825, and The Reporter of June 6, 1825, provide details of this historic visit. It was reported that 20,000 people lined the streets of Washington borough to honor their famous guest. Lafayette stayed at the Globe Inn, where proprietor David Morris served a splendid meal in the long room of the tavern. As the tavern’s dinnerware was not sufficiently elegant for the occasion, this tea set and fine china belonging to the George Morgan Family was borrowed for the evening.

The Lafayette Tea Set can be seen on display in the dining room of the LeMoyne House on East Maiden Street in Washington.

Linda Zelch is a volunteer for the Washington County Historical Society and a member of the antiquities committee.