Program

Lafayette Trail

Subject

Event, People

Location

Central Row and Travelers, Hartford, CT 06103, USA

Lat/Long

41.7658, -72.6723

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 September 4, 1824 General Lafayette was welcomed to Hartford, CT where he was addressed by Governor Wolcott. The September 18, 1824 edition of the Boston Recorder details the event:

He entered the capital of Connecticut at 10 o’ clock on Saturday morning, preceded by a military escort, and civic procession, and welcomed by those splendid demonstrations of respect and affection, which the dense population, ability and taste of the citizens of the State,-one and all, enabled them to proffer. On alighting, the Mayor welcomed him with an address. He was then introduced to the State house, where the welcome of the State was given by Governor Wolcott. In the State House yard were 800 children, the girls all dressed in white, and wearing badges with the motto: -“Nous vous aimons LAFAYETTE.” <We love you Lafayette>

The article continues:

Many hundred Ladies, and some gentlemen were introduced to him. He was afterwards conducted to the stage, where nearly 100 of the veterans of the revolutionary army marched before him, to their own music, and received a cordial greeting. He then reviewed a body of about 1200 troops, commanded by Gen. JOHNSON; and at 4 o’clock, embarked on board the steam-boat Oliver Ellsworth, for New York, calculating to make a very short stop at Middletown.

Links

• The Lafayette Trail