To celebrate the Marquis de Lafayette’s 265th birthday, the William G. Pomeroy Foundation and The Lafayette Trail, Inc. announced the launch of a new historic marker series commemorating the war hero’s involvement and service during the American Revolution.
The markers will recognize significant historical events associated with Lafayette, who served as general under George Washington, throughout the Revolutionary War period. This new marker series is part of the current Lafayette Trail marker program established in partnership between the Pomeroy Foundation and The Lafayette Trail, Inc. to mark important sites visited by Lafayette during his 1824-1825 U.S. Farewell Tour.
“I am excited to expand our organization’s mission to encompass the commemoration of Lafayette’s legacy at the dawn of the United States,” said Julien Icher, Founder & President of The Lafayette Trail, Inc. “The American Revolution is where Lafayette’s deep connection to America began, and with the approaching 250th anniversary of the United States, there is no better time to launch this marker series. I am grateful for the continued and unwavering support of the Pomeroy Foundation.”
The Pomeroy Foundation is a philanthropic organization based in Syracuse. One of the Foundation’s main initiatives is to help people celebrate their community’s history. Since 2005, the Foundation has awarded nearly 1,900 fully funded grants for roadside markers and bronze plaques in 46 states and Washington, D.C. The Pomeroy Foundation has already committed to funding up to 175 historic markers along the Lafayette Trail to honor the significance of Lafayette’s Farewell Tour. Up to 50 markers will now be authorized as part of the new Lafayette American Revolution series.
“Since 2019, The Lafayette Trail has done an impressive job bringing to light the important national role Lafayette played in early U.S. history,” said Deryn Pomeroy, Director of Strategic Initiatives and Trustee at the Pomeroy Foundation. “The Lafayette Trail program has been successful in connecting communities to their local historical ties to Lafayette and the enduring friendship between France and the United States. We look forward to supporting this complementary marker series to further underscore Lafayette’s legacy.”
Historic markers in the new series will feature a red circular logo depicting Lafayette along with the phrase, “The American Revolution.” The current Lafayette Trail markers have a blue circular logo that depicts Lafayette and states, “Mapping the Farewell Tour.” Similar to the current markers, the new marker series will feature a blue background and white lettering. The first Lafayette Trail markers in the new series are expected to be installed and dedicated in 2023.
To learn more about the Pomeroy Foundation’s partnerships and signature marker grant programs, visit: http://wgpfoundation.org.
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