Two centuries ago, an American president and a Revolutionary War hero joined forces to build a bridge over a divided nation.
Augusta area events Sunday and Monday will commemorate the bicentennial of the Marquis de Lafayette’s friendship tour, which is being conducted by the American Friends of Lafayette.
“In 1824, the United States was in the throes of a very contentious national Presidential election. Our country was divided and in turmoil. President James Monroe thought it would be a good idea to bring back the last living American General from the Revolutionary War for a short tour of popular cities as a way to celebrate the nation’s 50th anniversary and reignite its patriotism,” according to the Lafayette 200 website.
“Upon his return to the United States, Lafayette was welcomed with universal affection and gratitude by Americans in all 24 states. Everyone enthusiastically embraced the last surviving general of the American Revolution,” the website continued.
Events on Sunday and Monday will commemorate his March 1825 visit to the area.
The American Friends of Lafayette will kick off the festivities at 9 a.m. at the 5th Street Marina with “official greetings from esteemed dignitaries and the Georgia SAR color guard and militia. As was done two centuries ago, the city will show its admiration for the General with a grand parade, leading us to the Jessye Norman Amphitheatre where music reminiscent of the 19th century will set the stage for the day’s commemorations,” the website said.
At 11 a.m. there will be a historical marker dedication, followed by a luncheon at the Boyhood Home of Joseph Lamar, and a visit to Meadow Garden, the home of Declaration of Independence signer George Walton, from 2 to 4 p.m.
“George Walton died in 1804 long before Major General Lafayette’s return tour to America in 1825. His only surviving son, George Walton Jr. and his family had left Augusta by that time,” said Ransom Schwerzler, Meadow Garden director. “However, we can only imagine that George Walton would have been happy that the last living General of the American Revolution visited his hometown. Walton and Lafayette came from vastly different backgrounds: the Marquise from the very highest station and George, an orphan, from much humbler beginnings, yet both men fought for American Independence. It’s a great opportunity to look at all the different people and all the different stories of the Revolution.”
The event will feature a free open house in the historic home with live music by the Garden City Strummers. Visitors will also be treated to a temporary display of banners sharing Lafayette’s story.
Events will move across the Savannah River on Monday with a 9 a.m. welcome followed by a lecture and reception at the North Augusta Municipal Building, where North Augusta Mayor Briton Williams and other distinguished guests will share remarks on the significance of Lafayette’s visit and Milledge Murray will present a lecture.
Tours of the Charles Hammond House, 908 West Martintown Road, will be from 1 to 3 p.m.
Area events are among many that have been taking place in large and small cities since August 2024.
“Our goal is to educate the public about the roles played by both Lafayette and France in our war for independence,” the website said.
A historical marker in Augusta commemorated the 1825 visit.
Located at the intersection of Jones and McArtan Streets, it reads: “This is the site of the old Planter`s Hotel, which was burned in 1839. There the Marquis de LaFayette was entertained during his visit to Augusta in March 1825. LaFayette landed at Savannah on March 19th and traveled to Augusta with Governor George Troup a few days later.
Arriving on the steamboat ‘Altamaha’, LaFayette was greeted by a great procession of musicians, soldiers, clergymen, and citizens, who accompanied him into the city and to the Planter`s Hotel, where apartments had been prepared for him. The next day, Mayor William Holt formally welcomed the Marquis at the City Hall. The festivities planned in honor of LaFayette were even more lavish than those enjoyed by General Washington when he visited the city in 1791. An elaborate banquet and ball climaxed his visit.
LaFayette left Augusta on Friday, March 25th, and with Governor Troup journeyed on to Milledgeville. The reverence which the people of Augusta felt for this most beloved American ally is reflected in a toast proposed at the banquet: ‘A man whose sovereignty is above that of kings – LaFayette who reigns in the hearts of the whole people.’”
Charmain Z. Brackett, the publisher of Augusta Good News and Inspiring: Women of Augusta, has covered Augusta’s news for more than 35 years. She’s a Georgia Press Association award winner. Reach her at charmain@augustagoodnews.com. Sign up for the newsletter here.
