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The Stairwell Room

Washington Resigning His Commission

Artist: Edwin White (1817-1877), 1859
Medium: Oil on canvas
MSA SC 1545-1113

Washington Resigning His Commission

A French nobleman by the name of Marie-Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier, the Marquis de Lafayette served as a major-general in the Continental Army under George Washington and became his close friend. Though he was not present for Washington's resignation, Lafayette made several trips to Annapolis during and after the war and was described by one Annapolis lady as "quite the thing." In 1784, in gratitude for his service, Maryland named Lafayette and his male heirs as natural-born citizens of the state.

Lafayette is buried in Paris under soil from Bunker Hill in Massachusetts. Many cities throughout the United States are named in honor of him and his contribution to American independence.

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Key Images on the George Washington Wall

Cornwallis Sues for Cessation of Hostilitie
Washington Entering New York
Washington's Farewell to his Officers
Washington Crossing the Delaware
Washington Monument
Washington Resigning His Commission
Washington Appointed Commander in Chief
Washington receiving French generals at Mt. Vernon

Key Documents on the wall

Washington's Resignation Speech

Exhibits in the Stairwell Room

John Shaw # 1 Des