You may already know Fayetteville was named for the French General Marquis de Lafayette? But do you know why?

As a young officer in the French Royal Army in 1775, Lafayette first learned of the American Revolution. He was so inspired by the rebellion of the colonists against the tyrannical oppression of the British that he left France to join the Continental Army. Under the command of George Washington, he soon developed a close friendship with the American General. LaFayette, a Major-General, was at Yorktown in 1781 with General George Washington when the British surrendered.

For the remainder of his life, Lafayette continued to fight for the principles of freedom and liberty that were behind the American Revolution. So it is no great surprise that at the end of the Revolutionary War, the general assembly of NC unifed Campbellton and Cross Creek and named the town Fayetteville in 1783, the first of many American towns to do so.

When the good folks of Fayetteville learned the celebrated Revolutionary War hero was to visit their fair city, no expense was spared to welcome him. The weather was horrible when Lafayette and his entourage neared Fayetteville in early March 1825, but the rain did nothing to dampen the enthusiasm of the crowds.

Lafayette’s secretary remembered the scene:
“On the 4th of March, we reached the pleasant little town of Fayetteville, situated on the western shore of Cape Fear river. The weather was excessively bad; the rain fell in torrents, yet the road for several miles before we reached the place was crowded with men and boys on horseback, and militia on foot; the streets of the town were filled with a throng of ladies, in full dress, hastening across the little streams of water, to approach the General's carriage, and so much occupied with the pleasure of seeing him that they appeared almost insensible of the deluge which threatened almost to swallow them up. This enthusiasm may be more readily imagined, when it is recollected that it was expressed by the inhabitants of a town founded, about forty years ago, to perpetuate the remembrance of the services rendered by him whom they honored on that day.”

Although he stayed in Fayetteville very briefly, Lafayette was honored by several banquets and receptions, reviewed countless militia and state troops, and even made time to inspect the brand new Lafayette Hotel, hurried to completion just in time for his visit. As he prepared to depart for South Carolina, Lafayette offered a toast to the town: “Fayetteville – may it receive all the encouragements and attain all the prosperity which are anticipated by the fond and grateful wishes of its affectionate and respectful namesake.” [excerpts takes from UNC University Libraries archives: This month in North Carolina History.]

Few places in America have played such an important role in our country’s most defining moments as Fayetteville. From its original settlement in 1739 by Scottish immigrants through the deployment of troops to Afghanistan and Iraq today, it is here the very seeds of American freedom, democracy and patriotism were planted and continue to grow.

Known throughout its history for its cultural diversity and military presence, today the Fayetteville area stands testament to its proud past. Many structures have been painstakingly preserved to reflect this history in nine designated historic districts:

• Downtown Fayetteville National Register Historic District
• Haymount National Register Historic District
• Liberty Point National Register Historic District
• Market House Square National Register Historic District
• Hope Mills National Register Historic District
• Long Valley Farm Historic District
• Pope Air Force Base Historic District
• Old Post National Register Historic District on Fort Bragg
• Averasboro Battlefield National Register Historic District