On July 4, we’ll celebrate our Independence Day—and the countdown officially begins to the big anniversary—next year will mark the 250th anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence. There will be many festivities surrounding the United States Semiquincentennial on July 4, 2026.

A lot of important history took place right here in this region. If you’re already looking forward to the celebrations of our history, an upcoming event in the area will be of interest. 

The national Lafayette Bicentennial celebration comes to West Chester and Chadds Ford on Saturday, July 26.

Approximately 200 years ago, in 1824 and 1825, Lafayette, a Frenchman who was also a Revolutionary War American hero, returned to the United States as the “Nation’s Guest.” 

For 13 months, Lafayette toured all 24 states and received grand welcomes from each city and hamlet he visited. On July 26, 1825, Lafayette visited the Brandywine Battlefield, where he was wounded on September 11, 1777, and later in the day he visited West Chester, where he was given a grand dinner.

The upcoming event is taking place on the anniversary of the day that Lafayette visited the Brandywine Battlefield and West Chester. The program begins at 10 a.m. at Thornbury Farm at 1256 Thornbury Road in West Chester—this location was part of the Brandywine Battlefield. The program includes an appearance by Lafayette and a heritage walk to the location where Lafayette was wounded on September 11, 1777, and there are other related activities in the area that day, too.

Information on the West Chester and Chadds Ford celebrations can be found on Facebook at the Lafayette Bicentennial Brandywine Committee page. Information on the county’s plans for America’s 250th anniversary can be found at www.america250chesco.org.