1805-1829

A visit from a hero recalled

Lafayette

To say that the Marquis de Lafayette was a hero in the young United States is an understatement. To say that the French nobleman's return visit to his adopted country in 1825 caused an outpouring of adulation also falls short.

This young man who had left his family and devoted his life to the cause of American liberty - here he was, back in the United States, for what amounted to a farewell tour for the elder statesman, now 67 and one of the last living links to Revolutionary greatness.

Lafayette arrived in Fayetteville on March 4, 1825. In 1783, the North Carolina town had become the first in the country to be named in his honor.

Both the town and the marquis were moved by the visit.

The Carolina Observer began its report this way: "The pride of all hearts and the delight of all eyes, the illustrious American General Lafayette, arrived here on Friday evening last."

Judge John Duncan Toomer said in his welcoming speech:

"Forty-three years ago, our fathers named this town, to commemorate your achievements, and to express their gratitude. ... We are plain republicans, and cannot greet you with the pomp common on such occasions. Instead of pageantry we offer you cordiality. We have no splendid arches, gilded spires, or gorgeous palaces to present you, but we tender the hospitality of our homes, and the grateful homage of devoted hearts."

Lafayette was celebrated at a dinner attended by hundreds in the ballroom at the new Lafayette Hotel on Hay Street. The marquis reportedly retired for the night after 11 p.m., but the dancing continued till 3 a.m.

The Marquis de Lafayette was feted at a dinner in the ballroom of the Lafayette Hotel.

Lafayette stayed at the home of Duncan MacRae on Gillespie Street, at the present site of the old county courthouse.

War comrade

The next day, Saturday, March 5, the marquis had an emotional meeting with Isham Blake, a Fayetteville man who had served with Lafayette in the Continental Army.

The Observer reported: "The scene which took place is said to have been affecting in the extreme, forbidding all attempt at description."

The marquis had this to say as a kind of benediction for Fayetteville:

"... Upon entering the interesting and prosperous town which has done me the honor to adopt my name, I can at once admire its actual progress and anticipate its future destinies; convinced as I am that the generous and enlightened people of North Carolina will continue all assistance to improve the natural advantage of Fayetteville and make it more and more useful to the State."