Program

Lafayette Trail

Subject

Event, People

Location

West Point Visitors Center, Highland Falls, NY 10928, USA

Lat/Long

41.373097130467, -73.96288624075

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

On September 15, 1824, General Lafayette arrived to West Point via the Steamboat James Kent. Upon arrival he was greeted by thousands of eager citizens and onlookers. The September 17, 1824 edition of The Evening Post details the visit:

On landing, he [Lafayette] was welcomed by a salute of 21 guns from  detachment of artillery posted on the bluff. He was received by Colonel Thayer, the commander of the post, Major Generals Brown and Scott, and the officers and professors on the station, and, having entered a barouche, he proceeded towards the plain, followed by the Cincinnati the military officers, gentlemen from New York, and from river towns above, delegates from the towns of Newburgh Poughkeepsie, Clermont, Hudson, Albany, &c. &c.

The article continues:

The General then proceeded to the Mess room of the Cadets, which had been tastefully fitted up, and partook of an excellent dinner provided for the occasion, and of which about 400 persons partook.

General Lafayette returned to West Point the following year of his Farewell Tour on July 2, 1825. The July 7, 1825 edition of The Statesman describes the General’s welcome:

At the moment the General stepped on shore, a salute was fired from the plain; the cadets, who were formed on the wharf, presented arms; a fine band of music played an appropriate air, and the feelings of joy and gladness, seemed to warm the bosom, and elevate the sentiments of all present. Indeed, there could not be a scene more calculated to excite, and elevate, than the one, here presented.