Woodlawn to Host Bicentennial Tribute to Lafayette’s Farewell Tour

Alexandria, VA — On Sunday, September 7, 2025, Woodlawn & Pope-Leighey House will mark the close of the Marquis de Lafayette’s 1824–1825 Farewell Tour of the United States with a special program, Farewell to Lafayette: A Bicentennial Tribute.

The event, presented in collaboration with the American Friends of Lafayette, coincides with the final weekend of national bicentennial celebrations honoring Lafayette’s celebrated journey across America. Woodlawn, a historic site that was once part of George Washington’s Mount Vernon, holds particular significance—Lafayette visited the estate multiple times during his year-long tour.

“Woodlawn & Pope-Leighey House is honored to host one of the final events of Lafayette’s bicentennial tour,” said Elizabeth Reese, Senior Manager of Public Programs & Interpretation. “At a time of deep national division, Lafayette’s 1824 visit united Americans on the eve of the nation’s 50th anniversary. His legacy of hope, influence, and unity continues to resonate, and we can think of no better place to celebrate it than here at Woodlawn.”

Event Schedule – Sunday, September 7, 2025

• 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. | Open House Tours at Woodlawn
  Explore the 1805 Federal-style mansion, once home to Lawrence and Eleanor “Nelly” Custis Lewis, with interpreters on site to share the estate’s layered history—from its Washington family connections to its later role as an anti-slavery colony.
• 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | Specialty Presentation: “Lafayette at Woodlawn”
  Step into 1824 with a talk exploring Lafayette’s connections to Woodlawn, his friendship with the Custis and Lewis families, and his progressive ideals during the National Tour.
• 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. | Panel Discussion: “Embodying Lafayette”
  Historical interpreters Mark Schneider, Michael Halbert, and Benjamin Goldman will share insights into portraying the Marquis during this bicentennial year, followed by a moderated Q&A.

Event Details

• Date & Time: Sunday, September 7, 2025 | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• Location: Woodlawn & Pope-Leighey House, 9000 Richmond Hwy, Alexandria, VA 22309
• Admission: $20 for adults, $10 for students (K–12)

Why Woodlawn?

Built in 1805 by enslaved laborers for Washington’s step-granddaughter Eleanor Custis Lewis and her husband Lawrence Lewis, Woodlawn later became a model of progressive social change. In 1846, the Lewis’ son sold the estate to Quakers who divided it into smaller farms for free Black and anti-slavery families. It was preserved in the 20th century as the first public historic site of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Today, Woodlawn & Pope-Leighey House continues its mission to preserve history, foster education, and engage the public at a site once shaped by both enslavement and social reform.

For tickets and more information, visit www.woodlawnpopeleighey.org or follow Woodlawn on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.