LAFAYETTE’S TOUR

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LAFAYETTE'S TOUR
ON JUNE 24, 1825, GENERAL
LAFAYETTE WAS ESCORTED TO
CLEAVE'S HOTEL BY A CAVALCADE
UNDER THE COMMAND OF
COLONEL GEORGE THACHER.
WILLIAM G. POMEROY FOUNDATION 2026

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 June 24, 1825, at about 4:30pm General Lafayette arrived in Biddleford, Maine and was greeted by the joint Committee of Arrangements for the towns of Saco and Biddleford. After both parties made greeting speeches, Lafayette was escorted to Cleve’s Hotel in Saco by a large cavalcade. Colonel George Thatcher was appointed as Chief Marshall for the occasion and led the procession. It was reported that the bridge between Biddleford and Saco was decorated with banners and arches welcoming the General as he passed by. He was greeted on the Saco side of the bridge by the school children of both towns, and it was reported that he was delighted to see the “rising generation”. When he arrived at Cleve’s Hotel, he was introduced to many gentlemen and ladies, and he shook hands with many former revolutionary war soldiers. It was reported that some of the soldiers had even belonged to the unit of Light Infantry the General had commanded. He stayed the night in Saco and left for Portland the next day.