Program

Lafayette Trail

Subject

Event, People

Location

5 Main St, New Lebanon, NY 12125, USA

Lat/Long

42.4791, -73.3735

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

On June 13, 1825, General Lafayette visited Lebanon, NY where he took in New Lebanon Springs, known for their healing qualities. It was the last town in New York State he stopped prior to entering Massachusetts on his way to the Boston area, where he would lay the cornerstone of the Bunker Hill Monument on June 17, 1825.