President James Monroe invited the Marquis de Lafayette to visit the United States, his adopted country. Lafayette’s tour of all 24 states in 1824 and 1825 drew large crowds and sparked a renewal of patriotism. During the American Revolution, Lafayette’s intense advocacy of the American cause convinced King Louis XVI of France to send troops and ships, which proved crucial to the American victory at Yorktown.
On April 5, 1825, General Lafayette arrived in Cahawba, Alabama, the former state capital, and was welcomed with a procession from the steamboat landing to the State House. During his visit, Lafayette met with the governor, a delegation from the Halo Masonic Lodge, and numerous veterans and citizens. He dined at Mr. White’s Hotel and attended a ball later that evening. Lafayette departed the following day for Mobile, Alabama.
Learn about Revolutionary War Combat Strategy. Watch the Revolutionary War Animated Map. For a summary, read An Overview of the American Revolution.