LAFAYETTE’S TOUR
- Program
- Subject
- Location
- Lat/Long
- Grant Recipient
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Lafayette Trail
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Event, People
- 9518 Cahaba Rd, Orrville, AL 36767, USA
- 32.3191658, -87.10446
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The Lafayette Trail, Inc.
LAFAYETTE’S TOUR
Inscription
LAFAYETTE'S TOURON APRIL 5, 1825, GENERAL
LAFAYETTE WAS WELCOMED AT
THE STATE HOUSE, VISITED
HALO MASONIC LODGE, AND
DINED AT MR. WHITE'S HOTEL.
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 April 5, 1825, General Lafayette arrived in Cahawba, Alabama, the former state capital, and was welcomed with a procession from the steamboat landing to the State House. During his visit, Lafayette met with the governor, a delegation from the Halo Masonic Lodge, and numerous veterans and citizens. He dined at Mr. White’s Hotel and attended a ball later that evening. Lafayette departed the following day for Mobile, Alabama.
