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31.07.

1777: French Marquis de La Fayette Becomes U.S. General at the Age of only 19

1777: French Marquis de La Fayette Becomes U.S. General at the Age of only 19
Photo Credit To Wikipedia Commons

Story Highlights

  • Historical event:
  • 31 July 1777
  • On this day Marquis de La Fayette was made a major general. He soon became adjutant to General George Washington, who was the supreme commander of U.S. forces.

On this day in 1777, Marquis de La Fayette, a French nobleman, became a U.S. general in the War of Independence.



The rank of general was awarded to him by the American Continental Congress, the supreme parliamentary body from which the current U.S. Congress is derived.

Interestingly, Marquis de La Fayette was only 19 years old at that time. He was born at the château de Chavaniac as a nobleman, and arrived in America in 1777, just months before he became general.

Apparently, the American Continental Congress hesitated to declare him a general, because of the fear that he was just another Frenchman seeking fame.

However, on this day, Marquis de La Fayette was made a major general. He soon became adjutant to General George Washington, who was the supreme commander of U.S. forces.




La Fayette became famous in the American War of Independence and later played a major role during the French Revolution.

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