Program

Lafayette Trail

Subject

Event, People, Site

Location

199 Frenchtown Rd, Elkton, MD 21921, USA

Lat/Long

39.581063436854, -75.829934243552

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 steamboat United States arrived in Frenchtown at about 4pm or 5 pm on October 7, 1824, from Baltimore. A calvary squadron and group of Maryland Governors’ aids proceeded to the Delaware line to greet and escort General Lafayette to the steamboat. General Lafayette was running behind schedule, as he had been participating in the wedding of his friend Mr. Victor Dupont, and so he did not arrive at the Maryland line until after 1am, and then to Frenchtown at 2am.

It was reported that two notable gentlemen were present on the steamboat- one was Mr. Du Bois Marten, who was reported to have been an elderly man who had, many years before, been the commander of the ship that had brought Lafayette to America back in 1777. The other was John Quincy Adams, who was on his way to Washington, DC, and passing through Frenchtown. Upon the Baltimore deputation’s invitation, he joined them on the steam ship to participate in the reception of Lafayette.

Lafayette boarded the steamboat in the early morning hours, and introductions were made to all the gathered gentlemen and ladies, including some Revolutionary War veterans. He had a lengthy conversation in French with Mr. Du Bois Marten, and then at 3am General Lafayette retired to his cabin with Mr. Adams. The steamboat proceeded down towards Baltimore, and Fort Mc Henry, overnight.