Lafayette Tour Marker, Schenectady, New York (NY-161)

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 Schectady at 8 PM. Capt. Benson’s company of heavy artillery was stationed near the canal bridge at Water Street and fired a salute. The streets were thronged with citizens from the city and surrounding areas. His boat landed at Union Street in front of City Hall, and he was conducted to a pavilion that had been built for his reception. About 10 PM, General Lafayette and the mayor of Schenectady called upon Gov. Yates. Afterward, an escort from Albany took him to the city, and he continued on to Boston by road.

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