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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.

General Lafayette, accompanied by the Governor of New York and the Mayor of Albany, arrived from Albany aboard the packet board Schenectady. The cannon at the U.S. Arsenal in Gibbonsville (now Watervliet) announced his arrival. The General’s boat was met by a committee representing Troy. The Schenectady was then taken down through the locks into the Hudson River, where eight sloops, each flying the American flag, were waiting to tow it across the river to Troy. Rowed by four oarsmen and guided by the sloop masters, the boats were arranged in a line and connected by hawsers, or strong, thick ropes. Aboard the Schenectady, a band played patriotic music. The sight was said to be a “strikingly beautiful spectacle”. (New York Stateman, Sept. 18, 1824) 

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