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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. 

South Royalton was one of the key ceremonial pauses before the major reception in the state capital, Montpelier. Royalton had been devastated by the October 1780 British, Abenaki, and Mohawk Indian raid. Lafayette’s presence symbolized the community's endurance. Lafayette was received at Colonel Smith’s Hotel where he was greeted by a national salute fired by a group of Revolutionary War veterans. 

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