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 had convinced French King Louis XVI to send troops and ships, which proved crucial to the American victory at Yorktown.
General Lafayette visited the Washington Navy Yard at the invitation of Navy Commodore Thomas Tingey on October 15, 1824. Tingey had supervised the construction of the Navy Yard. Lafayette arrived in Washington on October 12, paraded into town, and was welcomed by the mayor in the U.S. Capitol rotunda. He celebrated with illuminations throughout the city and a rocket show. He spent the night of October 15 at Arlington House before departing for Mount Vernon. The Washington Navy Yard, authorized by the first Secretary of the Navy, Benjamin Stoddert, in 1799, is the U.S. Navy’s oldest shore establishment. It occupies land set aside by George Washington for use by the Federal Government along the Anacostia River.
Learn about Revolutionary War Combat Strategy. Watch the Revolutionary War Animated Map. For a summary, read An Overview of the American Revolution.
What's Nearby
Explore more of The Liberty Trail by visiting these nearby attractions.
Washington, DC 20003
