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 July 1, 1825, General Lafayette was traveling south along the Hudson River and passed through Troy on his way to Albany. As Lafayette passed through the town of Lansingburgh, he was greeted by citizens who gathered to escort him. He briefly stopped at the home of Reverend Dr. Blatchford, where he met a number of the gentlemen and ladies of the area, including the widow of a former French army officer. Lafayette was then met at the south of Lansingburgh by the escort from Troy and proceeded on his tour.
Learn about Revolutionary War Combat Strategy. Watch the Revolutionary War Animated Map. For a summary, read An Overview of the American Revolution.