Program

Lafayette Trail

Subject

Event, People

Location

643 Main St, Reading, MA 01867, USA

Lat/Long

42.524305971459, -71.102562644317

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 June 21, 1825, General Lafayette visited Skinner’s hotel where he partook of a refreshment and greeted local citizens. The June 23, 1825 edition of the Boston Commercial Gazette mentions the event:

He started from Boston, June 21st, at 9, A.M.- passed through Charlestown and Medford, to Reading. In the first two mentioned towns, the people whom he met, without exception, respectfully saluted him, and many were drawn to the windows by his approach. At Skinner’s hotel, Reading, a large number of persons crowded in to see him, and were received with great affability. The landlord refused any remuneration for the refreshment he supplied him and his attendants.