LAFAYETTE’S TOUR

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LAFAYETTE'S TOUR
ON MAY 9, 1825, GENERAL
LAFAYETTE SURVIVED SINKING OF
STEAMBOAT "MECHANIC" NEARBY &
CONTINUED TO LOUISVILLE ABOARD
PASSING STEAMBOAT “PARAGON”.
IN DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION
WILLIAM G. POMEROY FOUNDATION 2023

When America declared its independence on July 4, 1776, the thirteen colonies were pulled into a conflict with one of the world’s most formidable powers, Great Britain. The colonies’ actions against Great Britain inspired a young French aristocrat and military officer, Marquis de Lafayette, to depart his native France to fight in the American Revolution. Lafayette served as a commander with the Continental Army throughout the war and helped secure French support for the American cause. This support played an integral part in securing American victory during the war.

Celebrated as a hero in the U.S. and France, Lafayette eventually returned to his home country. In 1824, Marquis de Lafayette was invited to visit the United States for the first time in 41 years. As an American hero and one of the only surviving commanders from the Revolution, Lafayette’s visit to the U.S. was highly anticipated and met with a great deal of enthusiasm and excitement. Lafayette’s Tour extended from 1824 to 1825. During this time, he visited Washington, D.C., as well as major cities and small communities across 24 states.

While traveling along the Ohio River by steamboat on May 9, 1825, General Lafayette and his fellow passengers survived the sinking of the Mechanic. The June 7, 1825 edition of the Vermont Gazette featured an excerpt of a letter from Lafayette, in which he described the accident:

“…we ran foul of a snag, which lay concealed two feet under water, and so well infiladed [sic] our steam boat, that it pierced through our upper deck, and sunk the boat in a few minutes. We had time, however, to come out of the ladies’ cabin, before the water had penetrated through the partition, and all landed safely without any life being lost.”

Fortunately, Lafayette boarded a passing steamboat, the Paragon, and continued his tour to Louisville, Kentucky.

Lafayette Trail marker, Cannelton, Indiana.

LAFAYETTE’S TOUR

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