Program

Lafayette Trail

Subject

Event, People

Location

1 Main St #16, Durham, NH 03824, USA

Lat/Long

43.13278, -70.92056

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 23, 1825 General Lafayette arrived in Durham, NH and was greeted with a 24 gun salute. The July 2, 1825 edition of The Portsmouth Journal of Literature mentions the event:

When near the village, a salute of 24 guns was fired by the company of artillery, under the command of Capt. Langley, stationed on Chesley’s hill. On the General’s arrival at Kelley’s hotel, he was introduced to the Selectmen, Committee, &c. and was addressed, at their request, by S. Mitchell, Esq.

The article later continues:

Many of the citizens and strangers were then introduced to, and kindly received by the General, after which, he and the company partook of an elegant collation prepared by Mrs. Kelly [sic]. The General was then conducted to the ball, which was decorated with elegance and taste, and introduced to a large assemblage of ladies from this and the neighboring towns. After leaving the hall, he was presented to about seventy female scholars, dressed in white, with blue sashes, and ornamented with wreaths of flowers; and who were arranged in the street near the hall door, exhibiting a delicate and interesting spectacle; especially when contrasted with the martial appearance of the artillery, drawn up in a nine opposite; to each of whom, the General presented his hand. He soon after took his departure, attended by the same escort to the limits of the town, where he was received by the escort from Dover.