Lafayette Tour Marker, Andover, Maine (ME-192)

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. 

As Lafayette left Boston, Massachusetts on June 21, 1825, he passed through Andover, Maine. He was met at the Andover line by a company of cavalry, who escorted him to the vicinity of the Theological Institution. Several infantry companies and many citizens met him there, and he was addressed by Mr. John Kneeland. The troops then all escorted Lafayette to Taylor’s Hotel, where he met the faculty of the Theological Institution and the Andover Academy. He was introduced to many other citizens, ladies, children, and militia officers. He then visited the institution itself, where he met the students. Lastly, he was escorted to Andover Village, where the infantry departed. The cavalry continued to escort him to the New Hampshire state line.

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