Suffolk Tourism Installs New Lafayette Trail Marker in Commemoration of Suffolk Va 250

The year 2026 marks America’s 250th birthday and throughout the year, a variety of events and activities will take place across Suffolk and the Commonwealth of Virginia. On Wednesday, April 15, 2026, a new Lafayette Trail marker was unveiled at Sleepy Hole Park in honor of General Lafayette’s travels throughout the Old Dominion during the Virginia Campaign in 1781. In March 1781, Lafayette arrived in Virginia, dispatched to counteract Benedict Arnold and British forces amassing here. He rapidly adopted a careful military style, harassing redcoats continuously—without ever fully committing his limited troops—thereby keeping Virginia as an open battleground. Lafayette’s tactics in Virginia were grounded in a fine understanding of new world culture and the incessant need for continued action and grit to maintain military discipline among his troops. By March 20, 1781, Lafayette had arrived at Gen. Muhlenberg’s encampment, scouting for British positions, gathering intelligence without risking his forces. Thanks to Lafayette’s work in Virginia, the state remained contested until conditions were met for the combined French American assault leading to the victory at Yorktown. This new marker summarizes a story of discipline and patience at a pivotal moment during the American Revolutionary War.

The marker dedication featured remarks by Julien P. Icher, Founder and President of The Lafayette Trail, Inc.; Theresa Earles, Suffolk Tourism Development Manager; Frank Womble, Great Bridge Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution; Gloria Womble, State Chair, Franco-American Memorial Committee Virginia Daughters of the American Revolution; with wreath laying by Maureen Holbert, Director, District 1, Virginia DAR;  Karen Weaver-Hedrick Regent, Constantia Chapter NSDAR; and Garrett Hedrick, Great Bridge Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution. Refreshments were provided by Stillwater Tea House.

The Lafayette Marker may be found adjacent the pier entrance at Sleepy Hole Park, located at 4616 Sleepy Hole Road, Suffolk. The park is open daily, dawn to dusk. For more information about Suffolk’s outdoor recreation, see SuffolkParksandRec.com. For more Suffolk VA 250 events, visit SuffolkVA250.com.
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