American Historical Trivia

Lafayette's Gracious Gift

Everyone can agree that Marquis de Lafayette is a magnificent French General and American hero (Although, his true name was, Marie-Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier de Lafayette, Marquis de Lafayette) or that the American Revolution may have gone up in flames for the rebels without his help. But, his American legacy didn't stop after the last shots of the Battle of Yorktown.

Several years after the Revolution had finished, Lafayette and his only son George Washington Lafayette (he named his son after his hero, so adorable) toured America so each state could pay their respects to him and his heroism in the Revolution. While on this trip Lafayette was given numerous gifts. Literally, he was like a boy band member to the American populous back then, women would paint his face on literally everything and shower him with love and tears. What I'm trying to say is Lafayette was the Harry Styles of the 18th century.

Anyway, while being bombarded with the most extravagant gifts the states could offer, one outdid all the rest. Almost finished with the tour and beginning to head to the last spot at the White House, Lafayette was gifted an alligator. Instead of being horrified, Lafayette and his son basically reacted like, "Oh my God! This is so cool, thank you!" and then upon realizing bringing a gator back to the center of the turmoil-riddled-France was a bad idea,"Wait what are we going to do with this?"

It is said that good ole' Georgie Lafayette came up with the solution for his puzzled father. "Let's give it to John Quincy Adams as a gift!" Thinking that was a marvelous idea, Marquis de Lafayette agreed. So they started towards the White House with the alligator following.

The French General literally regifted an alligator.

There is no physical account of that day Lafayette gifted John Quincy an alligator, but I'd like to think it was a joyous day. Adams actually kept the alligator in the White House, which- I think- is so bad ass. At the time, the White House was not completely remade (After the British burned it down during the War of 1812) so Adams housed the reptile in the East Wing bathtub.

The gator was only able to live it up with the Command in Chief of the United States for a short time. Eventually, either the gator outgrew the bathtub or Mrs. Adams patience and he was sent back to his native lands in Africa.

Though, during his time in the bathtub of the White House, the alligator was Adams favorite thing to show off to White House visitors. It is said he enjoyed scaring his guests. (Sounds like something I would do.) The gator lived a life in the spotlight alongside his presidential owner.

The pets of the White House are almost as exciting as the people that lived there. And remember the next time you go gift shopping, it doesn't matter what the particular person likes, just get them something cool like an alligator.