Lafayette Tour Marker, Montpelier Station, Virginia (VA-36)
11350 Constitution Highway
Montpelier Station, VA 22957
United States
President James Monroe invited the Marquis de Lafayette to visit the United States, his adopted country. Lafayette鈥檚 tour of all 24 states in 1824 and 1825 drew large crowds and sparked a renewal of patriotism. During the American Revolution, Lafayette鈥檚 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 November 15, 1824, General Lafayette left Thomas Jefferson鈥檚 residence, Monticello, and was escorted to Montpelier, the home of former U.S. President James Madison. During his visit, Lafayette and Madison discussed political and social issues, including slavery and religious freedom. Auguste Levasseur, French diplomat and Lafayette鈥檚 secretary, noted that Lafayette 鈥渘ever missed an opportunity to defend the right which all men without exception have to liberty鈥︹ On November 19, 1824, Lafayette and Madison attended a reception and banquet at Orange Court House. The next day, Lafayette continued his tour to Fredericksburg, Virginia.
Learn about Revolutionary War Combat Strategy. Watch the Revolutionary War . For a summary, read An Overview of the American Revolution.
