Program

Lafayette Trail

Subject

Event, People

Location

100 7th Ave N #4, Nashville, TN 37203, USA

Lat/Long

36.1598615, -86.7806746

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 May 4, 1825, General Lafayette arrived in Nashville, Tennessee and was escorted in a procession from the Nashville Inn to the Masonic Hall. He was made an honorary member of the Masonic Grand Lodge by Grand Master Wilkins Tannehill. The pageantry of Lafayette’s reception by his fellow Masons was recounted in the May 18, 1825 edition of the Statesman and Gazette:

“Nearly 300 brethren, clothed in full costume, not only of the Grand Lodge and subordinate lodges, but of three Royal Arch Chapters, with jewels, aprons, sashes, robes, banners, &c. regularly arranged and attended by a full band of excellent musicians, presented a sight, which astonished as well as delighted a crowd of beholders.”

Links

• The Lafayette Trail