"Or a Citizen of the United States, at the time of the Adoption of this Constitution"

The Marquis de Lafayette qualified, being named a citizen of one of the states before the ratification of the Constitution. Imagine him as President...

I've actually toyed with the idea of an alternate history where he accepts Jefferson's offer to become the territorial governor of Louisiana after the Louisiana Purchase. I figure his presence would draw French ex-patriots angered by Napoleon's regime to the territory which would strengthen the French presence and that he would also do his best to undermine slavery in the territory. I don't suspect he would become President; the second he enters into the American political process, he would become a polarizing and partisan figure in the nation. However, I think he could definitely leave his mark on Louisiana and the West. If any of his sons follow up, they might be able to reach the top office, however.

However, before I even begin to work on this, I would need to do a great deal of research on the history of Louisiana.
 
Top