Marquis de Lafayette
New York, New York County, New York
Marker Inscription
Lafayette // To the City of New York. France. In remembrance of sympathy in time of trial. 1870–1871. // As soon as I heard of American independence, my heart was enlisted. 1776.
The Story
This statue honors the Marquis de Lafayette, the young French nobleman who crossed the Atlantic to fight for American independence and became one of the Revolution's most beloved allies. The monument was itself a gift from France to New York City, offered in gratitude for the sympathy Americans extended during France's ordeal in the Franco-Prussian War of 1870–1871. The paired inscriptions bind two moments together: Lafayette's pledge of 1776 that his 'heart was enlisted' the instant he heard of American independence, and France's answering thanks nearly a century later.
Why it matters
It marks the deep, reciprocal friendship between France and the United States—a bond forged in the Revolution and renewed across generations—that would soon be crowned by France's greatest gift of all, the Statue of Liberty.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- 81 Leonard Gallery1.5 mi away
- Gerben Fine Art1.6 mi away
- Bureau1.6 mi away · 112 Duane Street
- Hall des Lumières1.7 mi away · 49 Chambers Street, New York, NY
- Cloud Gallery1.8 mi away
- MĒRCER LABS2.0 mi away · 21 Dey Street
Attractions
- The River Project Wetlab1.3 mi away
- Cortlandt Alley1.4 mi away
- FDNY Ladder 81.4 mi away · 14 North Moore Street, New York
- Dream house1.4 mi away
- Chinatown1.5 mi away
- Textile building1.5 mi away
Food & drink
- Maman2.7 mi away
- Sweetgreen2.7 mi away
- Semicolon Cafe2.8 mi away
- Bluestone Lane2.8 mi away
- Greene Hook Bar & Kitchen2.8 mi away
- Yaso2.8 mi away · 30 Hudson Street, Jersey City, NJ
Places to stay
- Conrad2.0 mi away · 102 North End Avenue, New York
- M Social Hotel New York Downtown2.0 mi away · 55 Church Street, New York, NY
- Residence Inn New York Downtown Manhattan/World Trade Center Area2.1 mi away · 170 Broadway, New York, NY
- Holiday Inn2.1 mi away · 51 Nassau Street
- The Cloud One New York-Downtown2.2 mi away · 133 Greenwich Street, New York, NY
- World Center Hotel2.2 mi away · 144 Washington Street, New York, NY
Places data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Hours and details change — call ahead.
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Related people
- · Marquis de Lafayette
Related events
- · American Revolution
- · Franco-Prussian War (1870–1871)
Themes & tags
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