Program

Lafayette Trail

Subject

Event, People

Location

27A Silver St, Natchez, MS 39120, USA

Lat/Long

31.55948, -91.41114

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 April 18, 1825 General Lafayette was welcomed to Natchez, Mississippi, his only stop in the state. Once there, he was the guest of honor at a reception at the Steamboat Hotel. Following dinner, he attended a ball at Travellers Hall, which was later detailed in the April 23, 1825 edition of the Mississippi State Gazette:

The company separated at an early hour, and in the evening, the venerable La Fayette attended a ball very tastefully managed, at the large room in Travellers Hall.-The display was very imposing- the walls were ornamented with a profusion of evergreens, intermingled with natural flowers; and being brilliantly illuminated, gave the best effect to the graceful forms and fair faces, assembled upon this joyful occasion.

Soon after the festivities, General Lafayette departed for St. Louis, Missouri by way of a steamboat aptly named the Natchez.