Lafayette Tour Marker, Columbia, Virginia (VA-146)
St. James Street (Route 6)
East of Washington Street
Columbia, VA 23038
United States
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 left Richmond early on November 3 after a major public celebration the previous day. His route took him westward along the main road toward Goochland Court House and then to Columbia. This was part of his planned itinerary to reach Monticello and Charlottesville, where he would be received by Thomas Jefferson and the University of Virginia. En route, a crowd gathered in Columbia in anticipation of Lafayette’s arrival. Veterans of the Revolution were present, and local citizens offered refreshments and a light meal.
Learn about Revolutionary War Combat Strategy. Watch the Revolutionary War . For a summary, read An Overview of the American Revolution.
