Program

Lafayette Trail

Subject

Event, People, Site

Location

33 Shirley St, Boston, MA 02119, USA

Lat/Long

42.323547, -71.071755

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.

The Shirley-Eustis House is now located in the city of Boston, but in 1824 the town of Roxbury was not yet part of the city. The house was, however, the home of the Governor of Massachusetts, William Eustis. On his way to Boston, General Lafayette passed through Roxbury and spent the night at the home of Governor Eustis on August 24, 1824.

He arrived in Dedham first, at around 10 or 11pm. It was reported that after spending about an hour there, a cavalcade of 100 mounted horsemen from Roxbury then escorted him to Governor Eustis’ house. It was reported that Lafayette arrived there at 2 o’clock in the morning, and that the Governor greeted the General with a long hug. The Governor reportedly exclaimed “I am the happiest man that ever lived!”

The next day, at around 10 or 11 am, the city of Boston sent out a cavalcade to escort the General into the city. It was reported that the cavalcade consisted of nearly 700 people. The city authorities and the Assistant City Marshall also went out to meet Lafayette at the Roxbury border to escort him to Boston.