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Editor’s note: This is the twelfth in a series of articles leading up to the Lafayette Farewell Tour Bicentennial celebration. Previous articles are available at suffolkva250.com/history.

By Frank and Gloria Womble

After a month-long journey on the Cadmus from Le Havre, France, Lafayette and his party: his son, Georges Washington Lafayette, his secretary, Auguste Levasseur, and his valet, Bastien, arrived off Sandy Hook, New Jersey, on Aug. 14, 1824. The next day, he landed on Staten Island after a 40-year absence from his adopted country. Because it was a Sunday, he was asked to delay his arrival in New York City until the following day. Lafayette spent the night at the home of Vice President Daniel Tompkins. On the morning of Aug. 16, he embarked on the steamboat Chancellor Livingstone, which would convey him to New York Harbor. 

Levasseur struggled to describe the scene: “It is impossible to describe the majesty of this procession towards the city. The sea was covered with boats of every sort, elegantly decorated with flags and filled with people. These boats moved swiftly with an almost inconceivable lightness and appeared to fly around us. The Cadmus, which followed us, appeared rather to be led in triumph than to be towed by the two steamboats that accompanied her. As we advanced … we could distinguish the crowd which everywhere covered the shore, perceive its agitation, and hear the shouts of joy.”

The New York Commercial Advertiser reported that Lafayette “landed in this city amidst every demonstration of joy and admiration our citizens could bestow. The news of the General’s arrival had spread through the surrounding country with the rapidity of lightning. From dawn until noon, the roads and ferryboats were thronged with people who were hastening to the city to participate in the fete, testify their gratitude for the services, and respect for the character of the illustrious “National Guest.” Our citizens also turned out in immense numbers … and together with the military, presented the most lively and moving spectacle we have witnessed on any occasion.”

The American Friends of Lafayette welcomes Lafayette back to New York City again this week to begin the thirteen-month-long bicentennial celebration of his Farewell Tour. Four days of events will feature Colonial Williamsburg’s Mark Schneider as Lafayette, best-selling authors including Mike Duncan, and French and American dignitaries. Attendees will have access to unique locations, boat excursions, plays, period music, historic walking tours, book signings, and a chance to meet special guests: eighth- and ninth-generation granddaughters Virginie, Heloise, and Adelaide La Fayette, who are making their inaugural visit to the United States.

The welcoming party will feature the Cadets Lafayette band, Boy Scouts, military personnel, dignitaries, including representatives of the Oneida Nation, and devoted fans. Following a 13-gun salute from Fort Hamilton and a ceremonial troop review, attendees will proceed to Evacuation Plaza for a flag-raising ceremony. The journey continues up Broadway to City Hall for a reenactment of the historic speeches delivered in the same location where Lafayette was originally welcomed.

From New York City, Lafayette will travel next to Norwalk, New Haven, and Norwich, Connecticut; Providence, Rhode Island; Dedham, Roxbury, Boston, Medford, Charlestown, and Quincy, Massachusetts, where Lafayette and John Adams will reminiscence about the American Revolution. For more details, see Lafayette200.org

Every two weeks, your reporters will share highlights of Lafayette’s travels and upcoming events until he arrives in Suffolk in February 2025. The American Friends of Lafayette is partnering with Suffolk 250, the Constantia Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, and Riddick’s Folly to commemorate the Bicentennial of Lafayette’s Farewell Tour: 

• “Lafayette: Soldier, Statesman, Champion of Human Rights,” a memorabilia exhibit from Jan. 23 to March 1 at the Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts

• Lafayette’s arrival on Feb. 23 at the Suffolk Visitor Center/Riddick’s Folly

• A banquet on Feb. 25 at the Hilton Garden Inn Suffolk Riverfront

• A reception on Feb. 26 at the Washington Smith Ordinary in Historic Somerton.

Frank and Gloria Womble are life members of the American Friends of Lafayette. Frank is a retired Army lieutenant colonel. Gloria is the America250 chair of Constantia Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, in Suffolk.