Our Lafayette Grand Tour of Virginia
Like Lafayette’s whirlwind grand tour of America in 1824, our whirlwind grand tour of Virginia in 2008 changed history.
At every historical site we visited, we learned something about Lafayette: Colonial Williamsburg, Arlington House, Mount Vernon, Montpelier, Monticello.
How did he manage to be everywhere?
President Monroe’s Invitation to Lafayette
In 1824, Lafayette received an invitation from President Monroe and the United States Congress, to travel the 24 states of America as the nation’s guest.
As the last surviving major-general of the American Revolution, Monroe beguiled Lafayette to renew the vigor of the Spirit of 1776 for America’s upcoming 50th anniversary in 1826.
After all, a new generation had not yet met the adored French hero, America’s famous best friend.
As Lafayette packed, America prepared by naming streets and buildings after him, and creating souvenir memorabilia of the momentous occasion.
Lafayette Greeted by Enormous Fanfare in Every State
As Lafayette arrived and everywhere he went, fanfare of all types greeted him.
Guns saluted him, church bells rang, bands played, flowers tossed in his path, thousands came.
Traveling over 6000 miles by carriage, horseback, canal, and steamboat, Lafayette’s tour lasted 13 months,
His son, George Washington Lafayette, joined him for the many accolades and outpouring of memories from veterans of the American Revolution.
Virginia Sites on Lafayette’s 1824 Grand Tour
Walk in our footsteps from our 2008 vacation, where we “met” Lafayette everywhere we turned.
At Mount Vernon, Lafayette wept at Washington’s tomb.
In Washington City, Lafayette visited the Capitol, where Congress gifted him $200,000 and a parcel of land in America.
At Montpelier, Lafayette enjoyed dinner with the Madisons.
At Monticello Lafayette visited Thomas Jefferson.
One hundred twenty mounted horsemen accompanied the Marquis up the winding roads to Monticello.
James Madison and others gathered in hushed expectation to witness the historic meeting of two men responsible for our country’s freedom.
While Lafayette visited Jefferson during his Grand Tour, one of Jefferson’s slaves drove the two friends daily.
Lafayette admonished Jefferson regarding slaves. Educate and free them, Lafayette insisted.
During the Marquis’ visit, Jefferson gave a toast at a banquet held in Lafayette’s honor.
When I was stationed in his country for the purpose of cementing its friendship with ours, and of advancing our mutual interests, this friend of both, was my most powerful auxiliary and advocate. He made our cause his own, as in truth it was that of his native country also. His influence and connections there were great. All doors of all departments were open to him at all times. In truth, I only held the nail, he drove it.
Massachusetts’ Site on Lafayette’s 1824 Grand Tour
At Bunker Hill, Lafayette collected soil, filling an entire trunk, to take to France, to be laid upon his grave when he died.
The West Continues the Tradition
The header photo with the Lafayette street sign is from Castroville, Texas, the Little Alsace of Texas.
Located a few miles from my Texas house, repeatedly seeing this sign and the gift shop sign above, left many Lafayette impressions on me over the years.
After Lafayette’s Grand Tour, adoring fans moved West, naming more streets, towns, and buildings after their French hero.
Many 19th century babies were named after Lafayette…history is filled with their stories. Those named for Lafayette might not have ever met them, but most likely their parents did…and wanted to honor that esteemed memory.
See more Lafayette photos at my Flicker set, here.
