Lafayette Tour Marker, Fayetteville, North Carolina (NC-28)

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’s arrival in Fayetteville was one of the most emotional and symbolically charged stops of his entire Farewell Tour. Despite torrential rain, the town turned out in overwhelming numbers to welcome the man for whom it had been named in 1783—the only American city named for Lafayette that he ever visited. Upon entering town, Lafayette was escorted to an elevated stage in front of the City Hotel, where he was formally welcomed by Chief Justice John Toomer, speaking on behalf of the town council.

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