Lafayette Tour Marker, Rostraver, Pennsylvania (PA-179)

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. 

General Lafayette was expected at the Brick Meeting House in Rostraver, Pennsylvania at 10 a.m. on May 29, 1825. When the General arrived, an 18-gun salute was fired, and he reviewed the assembled troops, which included two artillery companies and three field pieces. It was reported that as he examined the artillery pieces, he told the assembled troops that the brass 4-pounder was a Spanish piece and had not been used at the Battle of Saratoga, as had previously been thought. Lafayette then met many citizens, including Mr. Sterrett, of Rostraver Township, who had fought with him at Brandywine. He was then escorted to Beazel’s Tavern, where refreshments were provided. He was provided with fresh horses and proceeded to Braddock’s Fields, arriving at 4:00 p.m. An account of his visit appears in the Gazette of June 3,1825. 

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