Program

Lafayette Trail

Subject

Event, People

Location

223 New Geneva Road, Point Marion, PA, USA

Lat/Long

39.786221, -79.917857

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 leave 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 role in securing American victory.

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 he visited Washington D.C., as well as several major cities and small communities across 24 states.

As Marquis de Lafayette continued his Grand Tour across the United States, he was greeted by many local dignitaries, enthusiastic citizens and several of his old friends. From May 26-28 in 1825, Lafayette visited his friend, former U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Albert Gallatin, at his estate called Friendship Hill.  A June 21, 1825 edition of the Raleigh Register describes the General’s visit to Fayette County:

The General arrived in the county (which bears his name) in which Mr. Gallatin resides, on Thursday the 26th at 6P.M. and on the following morning set out, in company with Mr. Gallatin, for the residence of that venerable Republican, where the General continued until the afternoon of the 28th, when he returned to Union, accompanied by his distinguished friend; and on the morning of the 29th, proceeded to Pittsburg.

The article provides more details about the events at Gallatin’s residence:

At Mr. Gallatin’s seat, a retired but most delightful spot, it was expected the General would be left to enjoy, without interruption, the society which he so much valued, of his friend and amiable family. But, on his arrival there, an immense multitude were in waiting. The generous proprietor threw open his house to them. It was a day of gladness, and all who “claimed kindred there had his claims allowed”. The good Lafayette appeared to feel as if La Grange was not far off, and none seemed more solicitous to gratify the anxious crowd than himself.

While Lafayette did not receive much respite during this visit with his old friend, he was nonetheless as relaxed as if he was at his own home La Grange, happy to be in the presence of so many people eager to meet him.

Links

• The Lafayette Trail