Lafayette Tour Marker, Uniontown, Pennsylvania (PA-74)

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. 

Lafayette arrived in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, the afternoon of May 26, 1825, and was greeted by artillery fire from 12 cannon. Uniontown was the county seat of Fayette County, named in honor of Lafayette. Triumphal arches were erected on Main Street and a pavilion in front of the courthouse. Lafayette met with Albert Gallatin, Major General Ephraim Douglass, and several Revolutionary War veterans before retiring to the Walker Hotel.

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