LAFAYETTE’S TOUR
- Program
- Subject
- Location
- Lat/Long
- Grant Recipient
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Lafayette Trail
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Event, People
- 1061 Stamping Ground Rd, Georgetown, KY 40324, USA
- 38.213333, -84.606111
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The Lafayette Trail, Inc.
LAFAYETTE’S TOUR
Inscription
LAFAYETTE'S TOURON MAY 17, 1825, GENERAL
LAFAYETTE DINED NEARBY AT
BLUE SPRING FARM, HOME OF
RICHARD MENTOR JOHNSON, AND
LODGED 5 MI. FROM GEORGETOWN.
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 May 17, 1825, Colonel Richard Mentor Johnson hosted General Lafayette for dinner at his home, Blue Spring Farm. Lafayette lodged approximately five miles from Georgetown, Kentucky and departed early the next morning for Cincinnati, Ohio.