Program

Lafayette Trail

Subject

Event

Location

109 State St, Montpelier, VT 05609, USA

Lat/Long

44.261276, -72.579813

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 28, 1825 General Lafayette arrived in Vermont, where he was escorted to the state capital- Montpelier. The July 5, 1825 edition of the Vermont Watchman detailed the arrival of General Lafayette:

…he [Lafayette] was received at his entrance to the village by three finely uniformed companies – the Washington Artillery – Montpelier Light Infantry and Capt. Taplin’s Infantry of Berlin – and conducted through long lines of citizens from Mr. Shepard’s Inn to the Academy – then back to Statestreet, and down Statestreet to the Statehouse. Here the committee of arrangements – the General and suite, alighted from their carriages, and were conducted to the balcony in the second story.

Following addresses by committee chairman Judge Paine and General Lafayette printed in the newspaper, the article continued:

The General was then conducted to the Representatives Hall, where a respectable number of the ladies of the village and vicinity, were assembled to receive him. His introduction to the ladies was followed by an interview with the revolutionary soldiers. After this interview he reviewed the military, from the lower balcony, and was then escorted by the band of music through the lines of the soldiery to Mr. Mann’s Hotel, where a tasteful and highly acceptable repast had been provided.