Program

Lafayette Trail

Subject

Event, People, Site

Location

117 Main St, Claysville, PA 15323, USA

Lat/Long

40.116610488834, -80.414588107252

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 May 25, 1825, General Lafayette was travelling on the new national road from Wheeling, Ohio to Washington, Pennsylvania. He was escorted to the state line by a cavalcade from Wheeling and met by the Washington Committee of Arrangements. The Committee then escorted him in a barouche, followed by multiple carriages carrying the Ohio Governor, Lafayette’s son, and other notable figures. The group travelled towards Washington and stopped in Claysville for refreshments along the way. They were met there by a detachment of cavalry sent to escort them the rest of the way to Washington, where they arrived that evening.