Lafayette Tour Marker, Onondago, New York (NY-206)

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. 

In June of 1825, General Lafayette was moving east across Central New York and passed through Marcellus and Onondaga Hill on his way to Syracuse. On June 9th, he was met in Marcellus by the Committee of Arrangements from Syracuse, as well as a company of cavalry commanded by Lieutenant Toogood. He arrived at approximately 4:30 am while traveling eastward from Skaneateles. Following an address by General Wood, Lafayette resumed his journey eastward to Syracuse. They escorted him along Seneca Turnpike to the Onondaga Hill area, where they stopped at the county courthouse, where he was welcomed by General Thaddeus M. Wood, a War of 1812 veteran.

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