Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roche Gilbert de Motier, marquis de

Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roche Gilbert de Motier, marquis de Lafayette, (1757-1834) was a French nobleman who became an American hero after serving with Washington during the American Revolution. He returned to America in 1784, narrowly missing Jefferson and Short as each sailed to Europe. During his approximately two years in the United States, he visited several friends, including Washington at Mount Vernon. During the French Revolution, he was instrumental in helping to establish a new government, but had to flee the country during the Reign of Terror. He was arrested in Austria as a political pawn and remained incarcerated from 1792 until 1797, despite efforts by Americans to free him, until Napoleon secured his release. Lafayette returned to French politics, made a triumphant return to the United States in 1824, and died a few years later.