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Lafayette Essay Contest

Be a part of History-Enter the Lafayette Anniversary Essay Contest

 

The Fort LeBoeuf Historical Society of Waterford is celebrating the 200th anniversary of the visit of Lafayette to Erie County in 2025. Part of marking the anniversary is an essay contest open to all public, parochial, internet, and home school students who reside in or attend school in Erie County, Pennsylvania. This contest is open to two age categories: 

  • Grades 4-6 
  • Grades 7-8

Winners will receive:

  • Cash – Prize to be determined
  • Bicentennial Medallion of the Historic Eagle Hotel
  • $100 gift certificate from Pressed, the comfortable bookstore and coffee shop
  • Gift certificate from Erie Apparel, to show your regional pride
  • Lafayette Bust from the American Friends of Lafayette
  • Winners honored at a dinner sponsored by the Fort Le Boeuf Historical Society, in May 2025
  • All entrants will receive a certificate marking their participation of this historic anniversary.

 

WHY AN ESSAY ABOUT LAFAYETTE?

Lafayette was a French nobleman who came to America at age 19 to support the American Revolution. He was befriended by George Washington who referred to him as an “adopted son”. Lafayette demonstrated skill and courage on the battlefield and provided essential influence to gain French support needed to win the Revolution. 

A generation after the Revolution, Lafayette returned to America as “The Nation’s Guest”. He toured all 24 states, including Waterford and Erie, PA. He was welcomed by crowds as a national hero everywhere he went. His role in American History is essential and deserves to be honored.

 

  1. Download and print the form.
  2. Consult the rubric that prescribes the format of the essay.
  3. Research the subject. Go to a library or use the internet. Use at least three reliable sources. Look further on this page for some help on this. 
  4. Write a draft that follows the rubric. Check spelling and grammar (You may use spell-check to do this.)
  5. Make a final submission copy. Your essay must be either typed double-space on 8 1/2 X11 inch paper or legibly handwritten on similarly sized paper. keep a copy of both the registration form and essay. Be sure the registration is signed and dated by both the student and parents/guardians.
  6.  The essay should be comprised of 5 paragraphs, following the rubric designed by the American Friends of Lafayette as shown below and used with permission.
  7. Place your submission, the entry form, and your signed certificate into a mailing envelope and send NO LATER THAN JANUARY 15, 2025 to this address: 
  8. LAFAYETTE ESSAY CONTEST Care of Richard Arthur 9031 Union-Amity Road Union City, PA 16438.

Internet Research

Book Ideas for Research

This is not a complete list of research options but will help you to get started.  

  • “Lafayette: Hero of Two Worlds” by Olivier Bernier

    • This biography is considered one of the most comprehensive and detailed accounts of Lafayette’s life, making it invaluable for understanding his contributions to both the American and French revolutions.

  • “The Marquis de Lafayette: The Hero of the American Revolution” by Harlow Giles Unger

    • Another highly detailed and accessible biography, focusing specifically on Lafayette’s involvement in the American Revolution and his enduring legacy.

  • “Lafayette: Lessons in Leadership from the Idealist General” by Marc Leepson

    • This book offers a focused study on Lafayette’s leadership and ideals, making it especially useful for understanding his character and the principles that guided him throughout his life.

  • “Lafayette in the Somewhat United States” by Sarah Vowell

    • Although it takes a lighter tone, this book provides solid historical context with an engaging look at Lafayette’s relationship with the United States and how Americans viewed him over time.

  • “To Risk It All: General Lafayette and the American Revolution” by Michael Meyer

    • This shorter, focused book hones in on Lafayette’s actions and risks during the American Revolution, making it a concise and clear source for understanding his pivotal role.