Lafayette Tour Marker, Orrville, Alabama (AL-97)

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. 

On April 5, 1825, General Lafayette visited Cahawba, Alabama—the state’s first capital—as part of his triumphant Farewell Tour of the United States. This visit was one of ten stops he made in Alabama during his journey to honor the 50th anniversary of American independence. Lafayette arrived by steamboat, enjoyed a lunch across the street at White’s Hotel, visited the public in the large open Capitol Reserve area, the local Masons, and then heads back to his boat at the end of the day. 

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