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.
On September 3, 1824, General Lafayette made a stop in West Boylston on his way from Boston to Hartford. Once there, his escort was joined by a cavalry company under the command of Captain Estabrook. Ezra Bigelow was the first operator of the tavern, and members of his family and its descendants would operate it until 1833. The tavern is currently being restored by the West Boylstown Historical Society.
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.
West Boylston, MA 01583
Sterling, MA 01564
Shrewsbury, MA 01545
Worcester, MA 01609
Northborough, MA 01532
Leicester, MA 01524
Marlborough, MA 01752
Southborough, MA 01772
Spencer, MA 01562
Charlton, MA 01507
Framingham, MA 01702