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 reached Fredonia in the early morning hours of June 4, 1825, after a delay, but was still met with great enthusiasm. A 13‑gun salute was fired in his honor, symbolizing the original 13 states. Lafayette enjoyed an early breakfast at Abell’s Inn and reviewed local militia troops assembled in his honor. At dawn, he was escorted to nearby Dunkirk, where he boarded the steamboat Superior to continue westward along Lake Erie toward Buffalo.
Learn about Revolutionary War Combat Strategy. Watch the Revolutionary War Animated Map. For a summary, read An Overview of the American Revolution.