Lafayette Tour Marker, Montpelier Station, Virginia (VA-36)
11350 Constitution Highway
Montpelier Station, VA 22957
United States
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 November 15, 1824, General Lafayette left Thomas Jefferson’s residence, Monticello, and was escorted to Montpelier, the home of former U.S. President James Madison. During his visit, Lafayette and Madison discussed political and social issues, including slavery and religious freedom. Auguste Levasseur, French diplomat and Lafayette’s secretary, noted that Lafayette “never missed an opportunity to defend the right which all men without exception have to liberty…” On November 19, 1824, Lafayette and Madison attended a reception and banquet at Orange Court House. The next day, Lafayette continued his tour to Fredericksburg, Virginia.
Learn about Revolutionary War Combat Strategy. Watch the Revolutionary War Animated Map. For a summary, read An Overview of the American Revolution.
