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 May 4, 1825, Lafayette arrived in Nashville, Tennessee, where he was greeted by Andrew Jackson (hero of the Battle of New Orleans and future U.S. President), honored by the Masons, and celebrated with civic pageantry that filled the city’s streets. His arrival was marked by ringing church bells, cannon fire, and throngs of citizens lining the shore. Jackson escorted Lafayette into the Public Square for a series of speeches, then to the home of Dr. Boyd McNairy.
Lafayette departed aboard his steamboat, The Mechanic. On Sunday, May 8, 1825, the steamboat Mechanic struck an obstacle in the Ohio River about 125 miles from Louisville, Kentucky, and sank. Lafayette and the roughly 50 other crew and passengers aboard made it safely to shore. (Tennessee State Museum)
Learn about Revolutionary War Combat Strategy. Watch the Revolutionary War Animated Map. For a summary, read An Overview of the American Revolution.
What's Nearby
Explore more of The Liberty Trail by visiting these nearby attractions.
Nashville, TN 37203
Hermitage, TN 37076