LAFAYETTE’S TOUR

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LAFAYETTE’S TOUR
ON MARCH 6, 1825, GENERAL
LAFAYETTE VISITED CHERAW
WHERE HE SPENT THE NIGHT.
THE NEXT MORNING, HE
DEPARTED FOR CHARLESTON.
WILLIAM G. POMEROY FOUNDATION 2020

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 period of time he visited Washington D.C., as well as other major cities and small communities across 24 states.

Cheraw was the first town in South Carolina that Lafayette visited during his farewell tour. The March 11, 1825 edition of the Cheraw Intelligencer documents the visit:

At half past 11 o’clock, P.M. the General arrived at the Bridge, where he was met by the Committee appointed for the purpose on the part of the town, and a large concourse of citizens, and was conducted to the House expressly prepared for his reception. As the procession passed through the streets some of the houses were spontaneously illuminated, and the shouts of “Welcome Lafayette” were heard in every direction, while a salute of fifteen guns roared forth the joy which animated the heart of every citizen. The House which was appropriated for his quarters while here, was elegantly fitted up by five or six ladies of the town, in conjuction with the General Committee, to whom too much praise for their taste and indefatigable exertions, cannot be given.