Lafayette Tour Marker at Edisto, South Carolina (SC-49)

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. 

After visiting Fort Moultrie, Lafayette arrived around 10:00 AM at Edisto Island by steamship, Henry Shultz, on March 18, 1825, and was greeted with artillery fire.  Lafayette was the guest of cotton planter William Seabrook. After breakfast, the daughter of Seabrook was baptized by Rev. Lee and named Carolina Lafayette; the Marquis stood as the child's sponsor. He departed Edisto at 5:00 PM for Beaufort.

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