Lafayette Tour Marker, Salem, Massachusetts (MA-190)

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. 

Lafayette’s stop in Salem, Massachusetts, on August 31, 1824, was one of the most dramatic and affectionately remembered moments of his New England tour — marked by heavy rain, immense crowds, elaborate civic displays, and Lafayette’s characteristic gallantry. Lafayette entered Salem through South Salem Bridge, was greeted by thousands of drenched but cheering citizens, refused an umbrella so he could share the rain with them, addressed the crowd at the Lafayette (Essex) Coffee House, and dined with roughly 300 people at Hamilton Hall before departing for Ipswich.  He was escorted by a battalion of cavalry under Major Dodge; A battalion of Light Infantry (Salem Mechanic Light Infantry, Danvers Light Infantry, and Salem Light Infantry); 200 sailors in uniform wearing Lafayette ribbons; and ~1,000 schoolchildren forming two rows along the route, each wearing a portrait of Lafayette on their chest.

Learn about Revolutionary War Combat Strategy. Watch the Revolutionary War Animated Map. For a summary, read An Overview of the American Revolution.