The French hero of the American Revolution, the Marquis de Lafayette, made a farewell  tour of the United States in 1824, highlighting the friendship between the his home country and the states, visiting the cities and towns of the young country, and welcomed by throngs of cheering citizens. 

 

For the 200th anniversary of this event, The American Friends of Lafayette hosted a commemorative tour which passed through Worcester County on Sept. 3. It was headed by a costumed interpreter of the Marquis (historical re-enactor Michael Halbert) and accompanied by members of local historical societies playing the parts of early American supernumeraries, including militia, fife and drum musicians and ordinary citizens.

The main means of transportation for the nobleman over various legs of the trip were stagecoach, horseback, canal barge, and steamboat. During the New England leg of his tour, Lafayette made a stop at Wilson’s Coffee House in Charlton (later the Rider Tavern) and now maintained by the Charlton Historical Society (CHS). 

At the time of the original visit, cavalry from Dudley, Southbridge and Sturbridge joined together, all under the command of a Captain Shumway. The General Lafayette arrived around 4 p.m. and was received with a salute from the cavalry and cheers and applause from the citizens.

The Marquis was greeted by the Reverend Mr. Rich: “General La Fayette, the inhabitants of Charlton hold in grateful remembrance the very important services, which you, Sir, have rendered their beloved country. They cordially unite with their fellow-citizens throughout the Union in the heart-cheering congratulations excited by your recent arrival in America and visit through the states. Accept, Sir, our assurance of a hearty welcome, and the expression of our best wishes for your personal happiness.

Lafayette’s response was typically gracious: “The repeated expressions of kindness and esteem which I have received since my arrival in this country render me unable to express the high delight with which I behold the grateful sensibility of the American people.”

Lafayette had some refreshments at the coffee house and was introduced to a number of the citizens. 

The General expressed his high commendation of the appearance of the cavalry, and the fine style by which they performed the duties of escort.

The Charlton Historical Society maintains the Rider Tavern and has had a display about Lafayette’s visit for many years. The Lafayette Trail recently placed one of its markers in Charlton on the grounds of the Rider Tavern.

Across the street from the tavern was the Charlton Militia’s drilling field. 

Lafayette’s final stop in Massachusetts was Sturbridge, where he was greeted with a triumphal arch of greens on the Common and by music from the Uxbridge Grenadiers.  Two shots were fired from a cannon by the Sturbridge Artillery and the hurrahs of thousands of civilians. Included toasts from distinguished role playing guests from Old Sturbridge Village and performances by the Old Sturbridge Villages singers.