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.
In August of 1824, the citizens of Norwich, CT, requested that the town officials send a request to General Lafayette to visit their town. The officials sent a deputation to New-London, NY, to ask him to visit Norwich on his way to Boston. On August 22, 1824, Lafayette was met in Montville by a group of citizens who, along with the deputation, escorted him to Norwich. On his arrival, a National Salute was fired, and citizens gathered to see him. He was received at Kinney’s Hotel, where the mayor gave an address, and Lafayette gave a reply. Hundreds of citizens then had the opportunity to meet him briefly. General Lafayette was entertained and stayed for supper before continuing on his trip.
Learn about Revolutionary War Combat Strategy. Watch the Revolutionary War Animated Map. For a summary, read An Overview of the American Revolution.