On September 2, 2024, Concord, Lexington, Boston, and other towns will celebrate the 200th Anniversary of Lafayette’s Farewell Tour of America. Here is a description of the purpose and plans for this opportunity to recognize this major event as an integral part of the 250th celebrations of the start of the American War for Independence.

Why This Is Important
In 1824, President James Monroe invited General Lafayette of France to come to America and honor those who fought for and supported the War for Independence. France’s role was critical to George Washington and the American forces in the defeat of the British. Without their aid, it is unlikely we would have prevailed. Like now, those times were full of serious political polarization, and President Monroe wanted Lafayette to bring unity through our recognition and appreciation of the French’s contributions. This will also be an opportunity to broaden historical perceptions of the Revolution to be more inclusive of the contributions of African Americans, women, immigrants, and indigenous peoples. This commemorative event gives us the impetus for reflection and discussion of Concord’s legacy and future. According to historian David Hackett Fischer, “With much encouragement from his friend the Marquis de Lafayette, Washington’s thinking on race and slavery changed.” Lafayette had a profound impact on the early development of the United States.

Overview of Lafayette’s Farewell Tour in 2024 – September 2 from 3:00 – 5:00 PM
The American Friends of Lafayette (AFL) is planning and organizing this twenty-five-day (August 16 – September 9) tour, including reenactors and events in over 40 towns. Each town, including Concord, will create its own ceremonies and coordinate the entry and exit of Lafayette’s entourage. Concord’s visit will be on Monday, September 2, 2024, (Labor Day Holiday) from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Lafayette will be arriving from Lexington. Our program for this day will include:

• Concord’s militia will greet him and march with him to First Parish/Wright Tavern.

• Tents and a welcoming party will greet Lafayette with a welcome statement from Samuel Hoar, descendent of the original greeter of Lafayette to Concord.

• We will have a wreath-laying ceremony by the Daughters of the American Revolution

• Presentations in First Parish will reflect Lafayette vision and values for America:

  • Robert A. Gross, historian and author,

  • Jen Turner, Executive Director of the Robbins House, and

  • Sam Williams, Executive Director of the Prison Outreach Project.

• Music will be provided by Anderson Manual of First Parish in Concord

• A reception will follow in the Wright Tavern

*For those looking to join us virtually through zoom, please register here to get the zoom link.*

Come and Join Us
For more information, contact Shelley Hawks or the Wright Tavern Legacy Trust at info@wrighttavern.org.

Image: Portrait of Marquis de Lafayette, Special Collections, Washington & Lee University, Lexington, VA

This event explores our region’s revolutionary past!

Learn about Freedom’s Way 250 and discover the many ways the Heritage Area and its partners are commemorating and celebrating our nation’s semiquincentennial anniversary.