Program

Lafayette Trail

Subject

Event, People

Location

17 Nesmith St, Derry, NH 03038, USA

Lat/Long

42.8953, -71.309763

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 June 21, 1825 General Lafayette left Boston to tour New Hampshire on his way to the Maine capital. At four o’clock he dined at Redfield’s, in Londonderry, N.H. before proceeding onward. The June 30, 1825 edition of Salem, M.A.’s Essex Register further details this leg of the journey:

In passing through Londonderry last week, he [Lafayette] proceeded out of his course to call on an old acquaintance, our late townsman Gen. E.H. Derby, in the vicinity of whose residence he visited the Adams Female Academy, where about 100 scholars of that flourishing institution were presented and introduced. The scholars were dressed in uniform, and made a beautiful appearance.