Lafayette Tour Marker, Wheeling, West Virginia (WV-137)

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 Wheeling around midday via steamboat "Harald" on the Ohio River, disembarking at Beymer’s Landing and met by the Independent Company of Volunteers. He was greeted by a large crowd of enthusiastic citizens and formally welcomed by Judge Alexander Caldwell, who delivered a public address. That evening, a public ball was held in his honor at Edward Graham’s Virginia Hotel. Wheeling was the only town Lafayette visited in what is now West Virginia.

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