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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. 

Lafayette’s visit to Hartford, Connecticut on September 4, 1824 was one of the most elaborate and heartfelt receptions of his national tour. Lafayette entered Hartford at 10:00 a.m., escorted by a military procession and a civic parade. Lafayette was greeted by the Mayor of Hartford and then escorted to the State House. There, Governor Oliver Wolcott Jr. formally welcomed him on behalf of the state. In the State House yard, he was greeted by 800 children with badges inscribed with the French phrase: “Nous vous aimons Lafayette” (“We love you Lafayette.”) At 4:00 p.m., Lafayette boarded the steamboat Oliver Ellsworth to continue his journey toward New York, with a brief stop planned in Middletown.

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