General Rochambeau (1725-1807) was another member of the French nobility who supported the efforts of the colonists to fight for independence from England. In 1780, he lead the French Expeditionary Force of over 5,000 men sent to support the colonists' fight. He and his men fought beside General Washington in the campaign at Yorktown and Rochambeau was a witness to the surrender of Cornwallis.

The statue was dedicated by Theodore Roosevelt and unveiled by Rochambeau's descendant, the Comtesse de Rochambeau. Members of the Rochambeau and Lafayette families were present at the dedication.