In 1824, the French aristocrat Lafayette (Marie-Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de La Fayette), who had played a key role in securing victory over the British during the American Revolution, was invited by President James Monroe to visit the United States, then about to celebrate its 50th anniversary.
Upon his arrival on Staten Island, the general was greeted with open arms. He had been a favorite of General Washington, who had acted as a surrogate father to the young Lafayette.
As an advocate for democracy in both the American colonies and in France, and a proponent of abolition, the Frenchman was warmly welcomed on a thirteen-month tour of the United States. His visit spanned a highly controversial 1824 presidential election season in which the House of Representatives selected John Quincy Adams over the highest vote-getter, Andrew Jackson. Lafayette has been seen by historians as a uniting force, whose presence served to remind Americans of their mutual bonds.
In preparation for the 2024-2025 bicentennial of Lafayette’s tour, 175 historical markers are being erected to memorialize this seminal event and the unifying effect it had on the young country. An interactive map of the general’s tour in the fall of 1824, can be found online. The 25-state initiative is sponsored by the Lafayette Trail Inc. and the William G. Pomeroy Foundation.
The first two markers placed by the NYDAR were unveiled in May, one at Fort Hamilton in Brooklyn and one at Niagara Falls, with National Society President General Denise Doring VanBuren and State Regent Patrice Birner in attendance. The NYDAR is funding the placement of 10 markers in the state that will be joined by additional markers sponsored by the Pomeroy Foundation.
Read more about Lafayette in New York here.
Illustrations: Lafayette as a lieutenant general in 1791, by Joseph-Désiré Court (1834); and Lafayette’s barge making its way from Staten Island to Castle Garden in New York on August 16, 1824 (courtesy New York Public Library Digital Collections).
Thank you for this information to take advantage of this virtual talk.
Today’s 7 features in the New York Almanack are representative of the excellent, diverse coverage the Almanack offers us each day: from the fine and popular arts and crafts, to local history and natural history and environmental issues, to programs and events across a broad range of interests. We have choices here, what interests us, what we want to read, what we simply ignore and move on, CHOICES. And we have a most important CHOICE: to be a SUPPORTER of the Almanack, to contribute to its dedicated work in bringing important and fascinating articles to us – DAILY. As a long-time supporter, I urge my fellow readers, please contribute to the New York Almanack. Thank you.
Thank you Edie! Your continued support and kind words are much appreciated.
John