Program

Lafayette Trail

Subject

Event, People

Location

161 Washington St, Marblehead, MA 01945, USA

Lat/Long

42.503517671625, -70.851359614754

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 August 31,1824, General Lafayette visited Marblehead, MA where he was received at the Marblehead Bank House and addressed by John Prince. The September 6, 1824 edition of the Boston Commercial Gazette mentions the historic visit:

At 9 o’clock General Lafayette was received on the line of Marblehead by a Committee from that town. He was then escorted into the town by citizens on horseback, a Battalion of Calvary and two corps of Light Infantry. The procession proceeded through Washington-street to the Bank House, where the General was presented to the authorities of the town, and addressed by Hon. John Prince on behalf of the town in an appropriate manner, to whom General Lafayette made a very feeling reply. A National Salute of 24 guns was then fired from the Battalion of Artillery.