Marquis de Lafayette’s historic address to the House

December 10, 1824

On this date, the Marquis de Lafayette, the French general and Revolutionary War hero, became the first foreign dignitary to address the House of Representatives in its chamber.  Often considered to be the first Joint Meeting of Congress, Lafayette met with the House and Senate separately during his visit to Washington, D.C.  Lafayette’s relationship with the U.S. Congress traced back to the war for independence.  In 1777, the Continental Congress granted Lafayette a military commission. “Whereas, the Marquis de la Fayette, out of his great zeal to the cause of liberty, in which the United States are engaged, has left his family and connexions, and, at his own expence, come over to offer his service to the United States, without pension or particular allowance, and is anxious to risque his life in our cause,” the legislation read, “Resolved, That his service be accepted . . . [and that he] have the rank and commission of major general in the army of the United States.” Lafayette forged a lasting friendship with General George Washington and remained highly regarded by the Congress.  On the occasion of the centennial of his death in 1934, Congress honored the memory of its friend with a Joint Session  at which President Franklin D. Roosevelt presided.

Related Highlight Subjects

• Address (43)
• Artifacts in the House Collection (113)
• Foreign Dignitaries (7)
• Joint Sessions and Meetings (45)
• Washington, George (34)

Cite

The Marquis de Lafayette portrait hangs to the left of the Speakers rostrum, as it has since the opening of the current House Chamber in 1858.  Lafayette, a French aristocrat, made important contributions to the success of the Revolutionary War, including his role as a strategist for the Yorktown campaign and his diplomatic work in securing French aid for the struggling American forces. The Sheffer portrait places him outdoors within a landscape, in unadorned clothing, emphasizing his qualities as a man of action rather than his wealth or power. Oil on canvas, Ary Scheffer, 1823, Collection of U.S. House of Representatives