Lafayette Tour Marker, Catskill, New York (NY-80)

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 came ashore from a steamboat on the Hudson River, greeted by an official escort of townspeople and dignitaries. The procession led him to Croswell’s Hotel, a central gathering place in Catskill, where he met local envoys and community leaders. Among those gathered were several “76ers” who had served in the revolution.

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