Program

Lafayette Trail

Subject

Event, People

Location

6418 Germantown Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19119, USA

Lat/Long

40.04633485686, -75.182283818722

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 July 20, 1825, General Lafayette visited the home of Benjamin Chew, Esq. The July 26, 1825 edition of the The United State Gazette details the visit:

The Infantry and other Military Corps, together with the Manufacturers, Societies, Citizens, etc. brought up the rear and continued in their march up the Main-street, in Germantown, for two miles, until they arrived at the County Seat of Benjamin Chew, Esq. which is the very spot where the celebrated Germantown Battle was fought, when all those who preceded the General displayed columns, and the General and Suite proceeded through the door of Mr. Chew’s hospitable Mansion, where he was received by the family of Mr. Chew, and immediately afterwards introduced to his Brethren of the Masonic Family individually; then to the different Military Corps, and to a vast number of the inhabitants of the town, both males and females. After which, he partook of a sumptuous breakfast, and then proceeded to Mount Airy…