About The Lafayette Society
Founded in 1981
The Lafayette Society was founded by Ms. Martha Duell (1924-2015) in 1981 with the goal of raising funds for a statue of Fayetteville’s namesake to be erected in Cross Creek Park. The statue was dedicated in 1983 as part of Fayetteville’s bicentennial celebration.
The society has continued to be a positive force in the community, The group has funded scholarships for high school and college students, supported establishment of the Lafayette Room in the Methodist University library, sponsored lectures by Lafayette scholars, commissioned bronze and granite historic markers for the Lafayette Trail, and otherwise honored the memory of General Lafayette by promoting awareness of his significant contributions to mankind and freedom by conducting similar events, programs, and educational activities.
Campbelton + Cross Creek + Patriotism = Fayetteville
In 1783, the State Assembly merged the towns of Campbelton and Cross Creek and named the combined area “Fayetteville” – the very first United States city or town to be named in honor of Lafayette (who was only 26 years old at the time!). Local leaders, prominent businessmen, and state-level office holders were vying with Raleigh for Fayetteville to become the state capital, and they felt that naming their enlarged community after the French hero of the American Revolution would help their chances.
Ultimately their bid failed, but the name lives on. Of the many cities and counties in the United States named for Lafayette, our Fayetteville is the only name-sake city that he personally visited.
St. Avold – Fayetteville’s Sister City
Since 1993, The Lafayette Society has maintained a sister-city relationship between Fayetteville, North Carolina, and Saint-Avold, France. Rooted in shared history and strengthened through cultural exchanges, the partnership celebrates the enduring friendship between France and the United States.
Located in France’s historic Lorraine region, Saint-Avold is home to the Lorraine American Cemetery, the final resting place of more than 10,000 American servicemen who lost their lives during World War II. Over the years, exchanges between both communities have fostered lasting friendships and strengthened international connections.
Today, the relationship continues through the Fayetteville–Saint-Avold Friendship Alliance, preserving a legacy of remembrance, education, and cultural understanding.
The American Friends of Lafayette
Many members of the Lafayette Society are also members of The American Friends of Lafayette, “an historical and patriotic society dedicated to the memory of Major General Gilbert Motier, Marquis de Lafayette and to the study of his life and times in America and France.” The organization was founded at Lafayette College in Easton, PA, in 1932. The library at Lafayette College curates a collection of over 2,000 items related to Lafayette.
Every year the AFL hosts a membership meeting in a city with significance to the life of Lafayette. The group also coordinates annual activities for Yorktown Day (October 19) and observances at Picpus, Lafayette’s final resting place in Paris (July 4).
Our Mission
"The Lafayette Society promotes awareness of the Marquis de Lafayette’s contributions to American freedom. We honor his legacy of generosity, patriotism, and support for human rights by encouraging those same values in the civic life of Fayetteville, North Carolina, the first U.S. city named in his honor."
Leadership
Guiding future generations through service, character, and civic responsibility.
Generosity
Encouraging kindness, philanthropy, and support for the community.
Patriotism
Honoring the principles of liberty, citizenship, and national service.
Human Rights
Championing dignity, equality, and opportunity for all people.
Lafayette Society Board of Directors
Ebony Warfield-Graham
President
Christopher Thrasher
Vice President
Casey Dobson
Treasurer
Betty Goolsby
Executive Committee At-Large