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 June 24, 1825, Lafayette crossed into Maine at South Berwick under a triumphal arch and was formally welcomed by Colonels Dunlap and Emery, aides to Maine’s Governor Albion Parris. He rode through streets lined with cheering townspeople and was honored with speeches and decorations before breakfasting at Mrs. Frost’s hotel. Following the meal, he visited with Olive Wallingford Cushing, widow of Colonel John Cushing of Massachusetts, a Revolutionary War officer who served in the 2nd Plymouth County regiment.
Learn about Revolutionary War Combat Strategy. Watch the Revolutionary War Animated Map. For a summary, read An Overview of the American Revolution.