Program

Lafayette Trail

Subject

Event, People, Site

Location

376 Front St, North Augusta, SC 29841, USA

Lat/Long

33.48480897018, -81.979218771178

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 March 24, 1825, General Lafayette was visiting the city of Augusta, Georgia. He was invited to visit Hamburg, a town just across the river in South Carolina. It was reported that he crossed the Savannah River at 9 am and spent around three hours in the town before returning across the river to Augusta. It was reported that while in Hamburg he was welcomed by a number of citizens and addressed by Colonel Whitner.