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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. 

On June 27, 1825, General Lafayette arrived in Claremont, NH, at 10:00 P.M. When he reached the Claremont borders, he was escorted into town by sixty gentlemen on horseback. Once there, the General was greeted by “a great many” citizens of Claremont, along with those from neighboring towns. About 200 schoolchildren, dressed in uniform and carrying baskets of flowers, joined the celebration. An article from the Vermont Republican and American Journal, dated July 18, 1825, further describes the festivities: At the moment of his arrival, a salute of thirteen guns was fired, bells were rung, the clock faces lighted up, and, passing through a double line of citizens, a fine band of music played national airs. The General then alighted at W. Stevens’ Hotel, which was very brightly illuminated. He stayed the night and left for Vermont the next morning.

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