Program

Lafayette Trail

Subject

Event, People, Site

Location

Lafayette Park, Waterloo, NY, 1-99 Memorial Day Pl, Waterloo, NY 13165, USA

Lat/Long

42.904622, -76.866589

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 8, 1825 General Lafayette visited Waterloo. Like many communities, Waterloo celebrated his arrival with the firing of artillery. Unfortunately a swivel gun exploded, killing Captain Jehiel P. Parson. A July 12, 1825 article in the North Star mentioned that the welcome committee chose not to inform the General about the accident and it was not till he reached Syracuse, NY that he found out. Upon this discovery Lafayette stated he wished he could have stayed to comfort the family of the deceased man. Per an article in the August 16, 1825 edition of the Seneca Farmer, Lafayette provided $1,000 to the family of the soldier.