The monument to General Marquis de Lafayette and his compatriots was erected in 1891. The 31-ft. tall monument was designed by French architect Paul Pujol. French sculptors Jean- Alexandre-Joseph Falguière and Marius-Jean-Antonin Mercié were responsible for the bronze- work. The monument consists of seven bronze figures around a marble base, topped by an 11-ft tall bronze statue of General Lafayette. The four standing figures around the base are Comte d'Estaing and Comte de Grasse on the east elevation, and Comte de Rochambeau and the Chevalier du Portail on the west elevation. The monument is located at the southeast corner of Lafayette Park in Washington, D.C. Within 20 years of its erection, staining was evident on the marble pedestal. In 1910 and 1921, the monument was cleaned and an attempt at waterproofing was made using the Caffall process.

In July 2011, the National Park Service engaged Firvida Construction, who subcontracted Kreilick Conservation, LLC to conserve the monument. Kreilick Conservation's Conservators assessed the condition of the monument, designed appropriate conservation treatments, and implemented the approved treatments. Treatment included removal of sealant from joints; reduction of gypsum crusts by water-misting; washing to remove biological growth and soiling; removal of previous fills and repair with restoration mortar; grouting of cracks; consolidation of friable marble surfaces and carved details; repointing of all joints; and re-waxing of all bronze- work.

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