Program

Lafayette Trail

Subject

Event, People, Site

Location

41 Central St, Andover, MA 01810, USA

Lat/Long

42.653399514457, -71.142546325067

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.

As Lafayette left Boston, MA on June 21^st, 1825, he passed through Andover, MA. He was met at the Andover line by a company of cavalry, who escorted him to the vicinity of the Theological Institution. Several infantry companies and many citizens met him there, and he was addressed by Mr. John Kneeland. The troops then all escorted Lafayette to Taylor’s Hotel where he met the faculty of the Theological Institution and the Andover Academy. He was introduced to many other citizens, ladies and children, and militia officers. He then visited the institution itself, where he met the students. Lastly, he was escorted to Andover Village, where the infantry departed. The cavalry continued to escort him to the New Hampshire state line.