Program

Lafayette Trail

Subject

Event, People, Site

Location

305 Bank St, New London, CT 06320, USA

Lat/Long

41.351273444667, -72.098213152033

Grant Recipient

The Lafayette Trail, Inc.

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.

On August 22nd, 1824, General Lafayette arrived in New London from Lyme, CT. He was met by the New London Committee of Arrangements and a few citizens in Waterford and escorted to the mansion of Judge Elias Perkins. A great body of citizens were gathered there, and he was received under a national salute of 24 guns, fired from Fort Trumbull. It was reported that Lafayette then saluted the gathered citizens, and then was greeted by General William North, an old friend and past companion in arms.

He then received many people who wished to meet him. Following the hand shaking, Lafayette visited the Presbyterian meeting house and attended a service at St. James Church. He visited the widow of a late General, and the mother of a late commodore. Finally, he sat for dinner with a number of prominent citizens and military Generals and then departed with a delegation from Norwich towards their city.