Lafayette: The Nation’s Guest

by Hilary Anderson Stelling, Director of Collection and Exhibitions Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library

Two hundred years ago, a hero of the American Revolution, the Marquis de Lafayette, accepted Congress’ invitation to come from his home in France to visit the United States. Lafayette’s tour of the United States prompted an outpouring of affection for the hero and sparked patriotism throughout the nation. Lafayette’s visit brought many Americans together as the country reflected on its origins and approached the fiftieth anniversary of its founding.

General Lafayette

Motivated by what politician and diplomat Silas Deane described as a “Zeal for Liberty,” the young and idealistic Gilbert du Motier, the Marquis de Lafayette (1757-1834), sailed from France to South Carolina in 1777 to help fight the American Revolution. Commissioned a Major General by Congress at the age of 19, Lafayette fought as a volunteer. He drew on his considerable personal fortune to pay for his own supplies and staff. Over time, he befriended fellow Freemason George Washington and gained military experience. He encouraged the French government to support the Americans’ struggle against the British. Lafayette declared, when the peace treaty between the United States and England was signed, that “America is sure of her independence. Humanity has won its case, and freedom will never again be without an asylum.”

An enterprising Boston stationer advertised ribbons adorned with Lafayette’s portrait in 1824, describing his stock as “intended to be worn as a compliment to the General.” A New York City engraving firm sold “an elegant likeness of the General printed on white satin ribbon” for 25 cents. The New-York Gazette suggested that citizens wear ribbons like these “as a token of respect and gratitude to the friend of Washington and our country.” Commemorative Ribbon, ca. 1824. Grand Lodge of Masons in Massachusetts, GL2004.1403.

Citizen Lafayette

Only in his mid-twenties at the conclusion of the American Revolution, Lafayette spent the following decades seeking freedom and liberty for French citizens. In doing so, he experienced highs and lows. In 1789, at the beginning of the French Revolution, Lafayette helped write the seminal

In the 1810s and 1820s, American glassmakers offered consumers flasks in a myriad of patterns and a variety of colors. Sensitive to the national enthusiasm for Lafayette, glassmakers sold flasks bearing the hero’s name and portrait. Flask, ca. 1824. Kensington Glass Works, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library, Special Acquisitions Fund, 75.62.2.

Many Americans revered Lafayette as a living connection to the American Revolution; others venerated him for his life-long devotion to the ideal of liberty. This cup, printed with an image of Lafayette, was likely owned by an admirer of the hero. Cup, 1824-1834. England. Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library, Gift of Dr. William L. and Mary B. Guyton Collection, 86.62.56.

Seeking to demonstrate their esteem for Lafayette, some American consumers purchased household items, such as this pitcher, ornamented with his portrait. Pitcher, ca. 1824. England. Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library, Special Acquisitions Fund, 76.41.12.

“Declaration of the Rights of Man.” Lafayette sacrificed himself in pursuit of his ideals of freedom and liberty for French citizens. At times, he was imprisoned, separated from his family, stripped of property, and subject to police surveillance.

American Hero

In 1824, Lafayette, in his late 60s, accepted an invitation from Congress to visit the United States. Throngs of well-wishers greeted Lafayette when he landed at Castle Garden in New York City on August 16, 1824. As he made his way to City Hall accompanied by a military escort and local dignitaries, cheering admirers—estimated to number 50,000—lined the streets. The party-like atmosphere continued for the next thirteen months as Lafayette visited cities and towns in each of the twentyfour United States.

Merchants in New Orleans, Nashville, Newport, and Raleigh advertised “Lafayette Gloves,” long for women and short for men, that came from New York—an epicenter for Lafayette-inspired souvenirs and fashions. Dry goods sellers also offered ribbons, sashes, handkerchiefs, and printed yard goods, all bearing Lafayette’s likeness, to the public during his visit. Souvenir Glove, ca. 1824. Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library, Gift of George A. Newbury, 75.15.2.

During his tour, Lafayette traveled to battlefields, addressed Congress, paid his respects at Washington’s grave, and met with friends, among them all the living U. S. Presidents and former comrades in arms. Crowds, church bells, and military escorts welcomed him at every turn. Admirers honored Lafayette with countless processions,

Brother Lafayette

From 1824 through 1825, Freemasons in New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Delaware, and Ohio named Masonic lodges in Lafayette’s honor. Lafayette participated in numerous Masonic gatherings and

Grand Lodge of Masons ceremonies during his tour. He took several degrees in New York City given by Jerusalem Chapter No. 8, Morton Encampment No. 4, and Columbian Encampment No. 1, as well as Joseph Cerneau’s Sovereign Grand Consistory. Among the most notable of the Masonic events in which Lafayette played a central role was the cornerstone laying for the Bunker Hill Monument on June 17, 1825.

Family history relates that Ebenezer Way (1784-1849), from New London, Connecticut, and a member of Union Royal Arch Chapter No. 7, wore this apron at the Bunker Hill Monument cornerstone laying ceremony in 1825. Descriptions of the procession on the day noted that representatives from Grand Royal Arch Chapters in New England marched, followed by “various subordinate Chapters…bearing banners.” Apron, ca. 1825. James T. Porter (ca. 17851826), Middletown, Connecticut.

Feted as George Washington’s friend and one of the last living generals to have fought in the American Revolution, Lafayette was, by all accounts, a gracious and charming guest throughout his visit. A national celebration, Lafayette’s tour fueled feelings of pride and patriotism throughout the United States.

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Lafayette Lodge No. 373, which printed these regulations, received its dispensation from the Grand Lodge of New York in 1824 on the same day as a festive dinner organized by the Grand Lodge to honor Lafayette. By-Laws of Lafayette Lodge No. 373, 1826. Printed by R. Tyrell, New York, New York. Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library, Museum Purchase, RARE 17.97751 .N532 L373 1826.

The memory of Lafayette’s contributions to the American Revolution and his life-long friendship with George Washington lived on long after Lafayette’s death. This ribbon, printed for the centennial celebration of the Battle of Bunker Hill in 1875, featured portraits of Washington and Lafayette. Souvenir Ribbon, 1875. O. Crane & Co., Boston, Massachusetts. Grand Lodge of Masons in Massachusetts, GL2004.6565.

Lafayette died in Paris in May of 1834. The next month the United States House of Representatives resolved that members wear a badge of mourning for thirty days as a sign of respect. They recommended that all Americans do the same. This ribbon—which would have been a suitable mourning badge—was sold at various Boston bookstores as a fundraiser for a planned Lafayette memorial. Mourning Ribbon, 1834. Boston, Massachusetts. Grand Lodge of Masons in Massachusetts, GL2004.7564.