The Franklin Mint History Of The United States, 1776-1973
Manufacturer
The Franklin Mint
CultureAmerican
DateNo Date
MediumSilver
DimensionsOverall: 1 3/4 in. (45 mm.)
Credit LineGift of Dr. Eugene F. Poutasse
Object number76.81.49
Not on view
DescriptionOne of collection of 200 silver medals.The 1824 medal: Lafayette Begins Hero's Tour of America
The United States had not forgotten the services of the Marquis de Lafayette during the American Revolution. Congress had President Monroe invite him to the United States as the nation's guest. He arrived in New York on August 15, 1824 with his son, George Washington Lafayette, and over a year was spent touring each of the 24 states. In all he traveled over 5,000 miles and everywhere was recieved with adulation. Few people have ever been given a greater hero's welcome. Many towns, counties, schools and other organizations were named after him.
In addition to the many official fetes, his visit included trips to Revolutionary War battlefields, Washington's tomb, and meetings with comrades. He laid the cornerstone for the Bunker Hill Monument on the 50th anniversary of the battle; at Yorktown he joined in a re-enactment of Washington's camp.
Coat buttons bearing his portrait were made, medals struck, coins were counterstamped with his bust. A sword of honor, mementos of Washington, and numerous smaller gifts were given to him. Congress voted him $200,000 in cash and 24,000 acres of land in Florida as a reward for his services and remuneration of expenses during the Revolution.
On September 6, 1825 he celebrated his 68th birthday at Washington, D.C. and, after a farewell speech by President Adams, returned to France on the frigate 'Brandywine.' His departure ended one of the last great ties with the Revolution.
