In the summer of 1824, Revolutionary War general Marquis de Lafayette returned to the United States from his native France for a triumphant “farewell tour.” Lafayette arrived at the invitation of President James Monroe on August 15th and set out on an extended visit spanning across all 24 states of the Union. The general’s visit generated immense excitement from the American people, who were approaching the 50th anniversary of the Revolution’s early battles and acknowledging the passing of the war’s aging veterans. From big cities to small communities, Americans flocked to welcome Lafayette, hoping to steal a glimpse of the decorated hero. Lafayette ultimately made more than 170 stops across New England, including several communities with the Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area.
Massachusetts communities were some of the first to welcome Lafayette after he made his initial rounds through New York and Boston. He dined in Medford, at the home of former Massachusetts Governor John Brooks, on August 28th. He also spent time in West Cambridge (present day Arlington), Lexington and Concord on September 2nd. In Lexington, Lafayette was delivered by parade to the town common where a banner festooned in greenery announced “Welcome, Friend of America, to the Birthplace of American Liberty.” (The banner is currently in the care of the Lexington Historical Society). In Concord, Lafayette visited the North Bridge and met with veterans of the Revolution. He spent that evening in Bolton at the home of his friend SVS Wilder while The Bolton Rifle Company kept guard outside. In the morning, the general graciously dubbed the company “the Lafayette Guards.”
On September 3rd, Lafayette made his way toward Worcester, passing through the Freedom’s Way communities of Lancaster and Sterling. He arrived in Lancaster at 6:30 in the morning to a sign reading: “Welcome Lafayette. The American Eagle in Triumph shall wave its pinions of glory to welcome the brave.” A granite marker on the Lancaster Town Green commemorates the occasion. In Sterling, Lafayette was greeted by bells and 13 discharges of artillery. An infantry led by Captain Dana of Sterling and Captain Meriam of Princeton escorted Lafayette to an arch decorated by greenery at the entrance to the village, which read: “Welcome Lafayette, America’s Adopted Son, Brother and Friend of Washington. Our land in trouble found a friend in thee, We’ll not forget thee in prosperity.” Today, the Lafayette Trail has placed markers commemorating these stops in Medford, Lexington, Bolton, and Sterling.
Lafayette went on to tour the remaining states of the Union for just over a year, departing for France on September 7, 1825. The 1820s were a difficult time for our young country, which was grappling with complex issues like slavery and nationalism. But Lafayette’s visit is remembered as a unifying balm on America. The bicentennial of his fondly remembered visit was commemorated as part of the Revolution 250 events across New England.