Program

Lafayette Trail

Subject

Event, People, Site

Location

US-46 at CHAPIN RD, Montville, NJ 07058, USA

Lat/Long

40.85925, -74.330306

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 July 14, 1825, General Lafayette left New York City for Morristown, New Jersey. Along the way, in Pine Brook, New Jersey, the carriage of his secretary, Auguste LeVasseur, accidentally overturned, resulting in a minor injury. The overturning of the carriage in Lafayette’s party during his visit to northern New Jersey is well documented and did occur. The exact cause of the carriage overturning, however, has conflicting reports in the sources from that time.

On July 29, 1825, the New Jersey Eagle reported that many villagers in a small town in northern New Jersey had lined the streets awaiting General Lafayette’s arrival and planned to salute him on his arrival by arising and removing their hats. As he arrived in town, the townsfolk jumped up and saluted him, and although Lafayette’s carriage passed through without issue, the horses pulling the carriage of his secretary were spooked and the carriage toppled. It was reported that Lafayette’s secretary received a contusion on his forehead, although it was not a serious injury. The carriage needed to be repaired, and then they were seen on their way with a salute from the artillery.

Another article from July 19, 1825, in the Sentinel Freedom newspaper reported that the road was narrow, and a piece of artillery was being loaded in the road and obstructed it. This caused the horses to sheer off against the corner of the turn they were making and upset the carriage.

Whether the carriage crashed due to an enthusiastic crowd saluting or a cannon blocking the road, LeVasseur was only minorly injured, and they continued on their journey towards Morristown.