LAFAYETTE’S TOUR

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LAFAYETTE'S TOUR
ON SEPT. 17, 1824, GENERAL
LAFAYETTE WAS WELCOMED IN
HUDSON ON HIS WAY UPRIVER TO
ALBANY. A PROCESSION LED HIM
AROUND THE MAIN STREETS.
NY DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION
WILLIAM G. POMEROY FOUNDATION 2022

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.

Traveling along the Hudson River by steamboat, General Lafayette arrived in Hudson, New York on Sept. 17, 1824 aboard the James Kent. During his brief visit, Lafayette was escorted along the main streets to the courthouse, where he met with the mayor, common council members, Daughters of Columbia, veterans, and citizens before departing for Albany, New York. The September 21, 1824 edition of the Evening Post recounted the veterans’ deep admiration for Lafayette:

“Sixty-eight veterans of the revolution, who had collected from the different parts of the county, formed a part of the procession, and were next presented; and it so happened that several of them were officers, and many of them soldiers who had served with La Fayette. Notwithstanding that they were admonished that the greatest haste was necessary, yet every one had something to say; and when they grasped his friendly hand, each seemed reluctant to release it. One of them came up with a sword in his hand, which, as he passed, he remarked was ‘given to him by the Marquis,’ at such a place, ‘in Rhode Island.’ Another, with a tear glistening in his eye, as he shook the hand of the General, observed – ‘You, sir, gave me the first guinea I ever had in my life – I shall never forget that.”

LAFAYETTE’S TOUR

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