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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. 

Lafayette’s visit to Greenwich, Connecticut on August 20, 1824 marked the very beginning of his celebrated national tour as “The Nation’s Guest.” Around 4:00 p.m., Lafayette crossed into Connecticut at Byram’s Bridge, entering Greenwich in a carriage drawn by six white horses. Lafayette was first escorted to Dearfield, the home of Col. Thomas Mead of the Connecticut 9^th Regiment, the son of Greenwich patriot and Revolutionary War hero, Richard Mead. 

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