Lafayette Tour Marker, Versailles, Kentucky (KY-142)

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 did not normally travel on Sundays, but his schedule was tight if he was to make it to Massachusetts by June for the dedication of the Bunker Hill monument. Upon arrival in Versailles, Lafayette was welcomed at the home of Mrs. George Taylor Cotton, Sr., daughter of Major John O’Bannon. Lafayette then visited Watkins Tavern, operated by Henry Watkins and his wife, Elizabeth Hudson Clay Watkins (mother of Henry Clay). After attending religious services, he departed for Lexington.

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