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.
Following his departure from Concord, New Hampshire, General Lafayette was welcomed to Hopkinton, while en route to the New Hampshire/Vermont border. A July 7, 1825, edition of The Farmers’ Cabinet mentioned the short visit: At the line of Hopkinton, he was met by a deputation, who requested him to alight at the village for a few moments, which he did, and a large number of ladies and gentlemen were introduced to him.
Learn about Revolutionary War Combat Strategy. Watch the Revolutionary War Animated Map. For a summary, read An Overview of the American Revolution.