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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. 

On June 8, 1825, Lafayette visited Waterloo, New York, where a tragic accident marked the celebration of his arrival: a cannon salute misfired, killing Captain Jehiel Parsons. Despite the tragedy, the town honored Lafayette with great enthusiasm, and he later provided financial support to Parsons’ family.

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