Lafayette Tour Marker, Cayuga, New York (NY-184)

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 8, 1825, General Lafayette was moving east from Geneva and Waterloo, towards Auburn and Syracuse. He crossed the Cayuga Long Bridge, arriving in the Village of Cayuga around 4 p.m., where he was met by the Committee of Arrangements. Many local citizens then had the opportunity to meet him. After about an hour, the General proceeded on towards Auburn via Genesee Street, in a barouche pulled by six chestnut horses. He was escorted by a procession, including the Deputy Marshal, a Dragoon unit, mounted military officers, the city Marshal General Brinkerhoff, and the Committee of Arrangements members.

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