Lafayette Tour Marker, Georgetown, Kentucky (KY-52)

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. 

On May 17, 1825, General Lafayette dined at Blue Spring Farm near Georgetown, Kentucky. Lafayette was hosted by Colonel Richard Mentor Johnson, a veteran of the War of 1812, a prominent Kentucky politician, and future Vice President of the United States (under Martin Van Buren). He departed early the next morning, continuing his journey toward Cincinnati, Ohio.

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