Program

Lafayette Trail

Subject

Event, People, Site

Location

5290 Old Alexandria Turnpike, Warrenton, VA 20187, USA

Lat/Long

38.767380023543, -77.728349917033

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 August 24, 1825, General Lafayette was enroute from Warrenton towards Washington, D.C. He was travelling with the former President, James Monroe, as well as Chief Justice John Marshall, his son (George Washington Lafayette), and his secretary (Auguste LeVasseur). Lafayette was invited to stop in the village of New Baltimore, just outside of Warrenton. When the party stopped in the village, the citizens greeted him and it was reported that they partook in refreshments at the local tavern owned at the time by James Hampton. The party then continued on, accompanied by some citizens, towards James Monroe’s home for the evening.