Program

Lafayette Trail

Subject

Event, People, Site

Location

Bramhall Square, Congress St &, Deering Ave, Portland, ME 04101, USA

Lat/Long

43.654146146854, -70.27251963433

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.

General Lafayette arrived in Portland, Maine at around 9am on June 25^th, 1825. He had been met at the state boundary with New Hampshire the day before by an escort party consisting of aids to the Maine Governor, Albion Parris. On their arrival in Portland that morning, he was met by the committee of arrangements and citizens at Bramhall Hill (then called Bramhall’s Hill), and cannons were fired announcing his arrival. The Honorable Mr. Longfellow delivered a welcoming address, to which Lafayette replied.

They then formed a procession, which consisted of the Marshalls, a military escort, a music band, carriages carrying the selectmen of the town and committee of arrangements members, then Lafayette’s open top carriage which was pulled by four white horses, his son and secretaries carriages, and then they were followed by other notable figures, such as revolutionary war veterans, current military officers, clergy members, and a citizens cavalcade. The military escort at the front consisted of four uniformed companies of light troops, including the Portland Light Infantry, the Portland Rifle Company, the Portland Mechanic Blues, and the Brunswick Light Infantry.

The procession proceeded from Bramhall Hill around the city of Portland, passing though many areas of the city filled with citizens gathered to cheer for him. Banners were hung, bells rang throughout the city, and the schoolgirls of Portland held flower wreaths as they waved to him and tossed roses in the street as he passed. A newspaper estimated that about 12-15 thousand people came to see Lafayette, from across the state. The parade moved south on State St, east on Danforth St, north on High St, and then east again on Free and Middle Streets. Lafayette then proceeded north and then West on Congress St, where he was finally received at the State House.

At the State House he spent some time inside the chambers, greeting the state senators and representatives. He was also introduced to Governor Parris, who addressed him. A stage had been erected outside the State House, where Bowdoin College then held a ceremony conferring an honorary Doctor of Laws to Lafayette, and many speeches were delivered. The General was then taken to Mr. Daniel Cobb’s home, where he was entertained by the leadership of the Free Masons of Maine and stayed for the night.