Program

Lafayette Trail

Subject

Event, People

Location

524 N Main St, Suffolk, VA 23434, USA

Lat/Long

36.73745, -76.582269

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 February 25, 1825, General Lafayette was welcomed in Suffolk, Virginia. The festivities are detailed in the Baltimore, MD newspaper American and Commercial Daily Advertiser, dated March 2, 1825:

Having arrived at the town he [Lafayette] was received with military honors by that fine martial corps, the “Suffolk Columbians,” commanded by Capt. Charlton, and escorted to the Court House, where he received the congratulations of the authorities of the place, of the citizens, and of a large concourse of respectable individuals who had eagerly pressed into town from the circumjacent county, to greet his arrival.

The article continues:

A splendid dinner was prepared for him at the CourtHouse by Mr. James Holladay, and nothing was omitted that could tend to demonstrate the attachment and respect of his entertainers for their early and steadfast friend. A number of excellent toasts were drank at the dinner. On Saturday morning, after breakfast, the General proceeded in Thompson’s stage for Somerton, escorted by a number of gentlemen in carriages and on horseback…