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 had convinced French King Louis XVI to send troops and ships, which proved crucial to the American victory at Yorktown.
Lafayette arrived by steamboat in Petersburg before traveling to Yorktown for celebrations commemorating the 43rd anniversary of the battle. He spent eight days in the area, one of his longest stays of the grand tour, because it was the site of the American and French victory over the British at Yorktown. He arrived in Yorktown on October 18 by ship, where a waterborne honor guard escorted him to a specially constructed Yorktown wharf, where he was greeted by a crowd of 15,000 people.
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.
Yorktown, VA 23690
Yorktown, VA 23690
