In this segment, Les Sinclair talks with historian Rick Britton – TODAY IN US HISTORY: Today, September 6, marks the Marquis de Lafayette’s 262nd birthday. Born Marie-Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette, he was a French aristocrat and military officer who fought in the American Revolutionary War, commanding American troops in several battles, including the Siege of Yorktown. After returning to France, he was a key figure in the French Revolution as well.

Lafayette was born into a wealthy land-owning family and followed the family’s tradition, becoming a commissioned officer at age 13. Convinced that the American Revolution was a noble cause, he traveled to America—against the orders of the French king—and was commissioned a major general by Congress at age 19 (thus becoming the youngest major general in American history). During the war, Lafayette returned home and successfully lobbied for more French support. In 1781, troops under his command in Virginia blocked forces led by Charles, Lord Cornwallis until other allied forces could position themselves for the decisive Siege of Yorktown.

During the French Revolution, Lafayette, with Thomas Jefferson’s assistance, penned the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen.

AND THE LOCAL CONNECTION: In 1824, President James Monroe invited him to the United States as the nation’s guest, and he visited all 24 states in the union. In the fall of 1824 Lafayette stayed at Monticello for 10 days. Jefferson took him to see the as-yet-unfinished University, where Lafayette was treated to a grand reception and feast in the Dome Room of Rotunda which included 400 eager well-wishers and numerous toasts to “The Hero of Two Worlds.”

ALSO: Rick Britton has a great upcoming 6-session class at The Center (formerly the Senior Center) honoring U.Va.’s 200th anniversary entitled “Mr. Jefferson’s Academical Village.” Held at The Center (at 491 Hillsdale Drive), the class starts Tuesday, October 15, and runs for 5 more Tuesdays (4 to 5 p.m.): October 22, 29, and November 5, 12, and 19. Charge: The Center members – $80; Guests – $90. To sign up, call The Center Travel Office at (434) 974-6538 or go to www.thecentercville.org and press first “Travel,” then “Lectures.”