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 May 9, 1825, General Lafayette survived a steamboat accident near Cannelton, Indiana, and continued his journey to Louisville aboard another vessel, the Paragon. Lafayette was traveling on the steamboat Mechanic along the Ohio River when it struck a submerged snag and sank. Fortunately, no lives were lost, and passengers—including Lafayette—escaped safely. Nearby is Lafayette Spring, where Lafayette spent the night and held an informal reception following the shipwreck.
Learn about Revolutionary War Combat Strategy. Watch the Revolutionary War Animated Map. For a summary, read An Overview of the American Revolution.