Program

Lafayette Trail

Subject

Event, People

Location

107 N Main St, Concord, NH 03301, USA

Lat/Long

43.207183854684, -71.537800944422

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 22, 1825 General Lafayette visited Concord and was received by the state legislature in the State House. An article in the July 1, 1825 edition of the Statesman details the visit:

General La Fayette arrived at Concord, N.H. on Wednesday morning last, and at 12 o’clock he was received by both branches of the Legislature in the Representatives Chamber, addressed by the Governor and introduced to the heads of departments, members of Senate, House of Representatives, &c. Several members of the Legislature who had served in the army of the revolution were more particularly presented to the General, who received them with affectionate and marked attention. After leaving the hall of the House of Representatives, Gen. La Fayette was received on the floor of the State House by the surviving soldiers of the revolution belonging to the State, in whose name he was addressed by one of their number, the venerable General Pierce, of Hillsborough.

General Lafayette passed through Concord again five days later as he traveled westward.