LAFAYETTE’S TOUR
- Program
- Subject
- Location
- Lat/Long
- Grant Recipient
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Lafayette Trail
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Event, People
- 3 Hale St, Dover, NH 03820, USA
- 43.193536648497, -70.874701589224
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The Lafayette Trail, Inc.
LAFAYETTE’S TOUR
Inscription
LAFAYETTE'S TOURON JUNE 26, 1825, GENERAL
LAFAYETTE WAS A GUEST OF
HONOR IN THIS CITY ON HIS
WAY TO PORTLAND. HE SPENT
THE NIGHT AT WILLIAM HALE'S.
WILLIAM G. POMEROY FOUNDATION 2022
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 26, 1825, General Lafayette arrived in Dover, NH . The July 4, 1825 edition of the New Hampshire Observer recalls the visit:
At the line of Dover he was also received by a committee, and was escorted in the village by a military escort, and a large number of citizens. Here he was addressed by Hon. W. Hale, in behalf of the citizens, to whom he replied; and afterwards was introduced to many old soldiers of the revolution, some of whom had travelled 80 miles to see the friend of their youth.
The article continues:
A public dinner was also provided at Dover, at with Hon. Mr. Hale presided. The General and suite passed the night at Mr. Hale’s, at whose hospitable mansion the ladies of the town were introduced in the evening.
