Marshal Lefèbvre Monument

The Marshal Lefèbvre monument stands opposite the town hall, paying tribute to François Joseph Lefèbvre, born in 1755 in Rouffach to a modest family. Orphaned at a young age, he was raised by an uncle who was a priest before enlisting as a soldier at 18. In 1783, he married Catherine Hübscher, the future Madame Sans-Gêne, with whom he had fourteen children, most of whom died in infancy. His military career accelerated during the Revolution: sergeant in 1788, captain in 1792, brigadier general in 1793, and divisional general in 1794. Wounded at Pfullendorf, he was appointed governor of Paris in 1799 and played a key role during the 18 Brumaire coup alongside Bonaparte. Napoleon rewarded him by naming him Marshal of the Empire in the first promotion, president of the Senate, and Grand Eagle of the Legion of Honor. In 1807, he received the duchy of Danzig. Loyal to the emperor, he supported him until his abdication at Fontainebleau and voted for his deposition. During the Hundred Days, Napoleon appointed him Peer of France without command. After Waterloo and the Restoration, Louis XVIII dismissed him before restoring his title in 1819. Lefèbvre died in Paris in 1820 and is buried in Père-Lachaise Cemetery.

His wife, Catherine Hübscher, nicknamed Madame Sans-Gêne, was born in 1753 in Alsace. Arriving in Paris as a servant, she stood out for her frankness and disdain for court intrigues despite mockery. Napoleon, charmed by her common sense and candor, held her in particular esteem.