Lafayette Tour Marker, Rome, New York (NY-161)

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 returned to Rome on June 9, 1825, at 10 PM. This is where he had participated in the 1784 negotiations at Fort Stanwix. Earlier that day, Lafayette had attended a reception and a parade in Syracuse for which there is a marker at Clinton Square. A committee including Col. Lansing, Judge Williams, and Judge Storrs had proceeded by boat on the Erie Canal to meet the General’s boat. On arriving in Rome, Lafayette and his entourage were received in carriages and conducted to the Arsenal, where they were greeted by Lt. Simonson, Commandant of the military post, and given a national salute. A reception was then held at Starr’s Hotel.

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