In 1824, the Marquis de Lafayette returned to America to visit the new nation. His visit was celebrated wherever he went and those who served with him during the Revolutionary War held him in high regard and esteem. George Washington and Lafayette became particulary close during and after the Revolutionary War. They regarded each other as father and son as well as friends, and when Lafayette arrived in Richmond he requested to view a likeness of Washington. As he stood before the Houdon statue in the State Capitol Rotunda, he was silent for quite some time and then said — with tears rolling down his cheeks, "That is the man himself. I can almost realize he is going to move".
As you visit the Rotunda and the Houdon statue of George Washington, think of how Lafayette felt seeing his dear friend, who passed 25 years previous, and the emotions he felt. Click here to read pages 174-176 of the diary kept by Lafayette's Secretary during their visit to Mount Vernon and Washington's tomb in 1824.
Write a detailed account of how you think Lafayette felt after visiting Washington's tomb and his reaction upon seeing the statue of his close friend.
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