Lafayette Tour Marker, Enfield, North Carolina (NC-9)

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 passed through Enfield, North Carolina, during his Farewell Tour in February 1825, where he was warmly received by local citizens and entertained at the home of Joseph Branch.  The Branch family of Enfield, North Carolina, had strong Revolutionary-era ties through military service, political prominence, and kinship networks. John Branch, Jr., father of Joseph, held the rank of Colonel in the Halifax County militia during the Revolutionary War. The site of Joseph Branch’s home, known as The Cellar, dating back to 1820 remains a historic landmark. Joseph Branch was the brother of John Branch, Governor of North Carolina (1817-1820).

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