In a couple of weeks, Jay and I will be off on our next travel adventure. We will be heading to Fayetteville, NC. This trip will be covered on Cheap Is The New Classy and we would love for you to follow along on our Instagram and Twitter channels. Right now, read about these cool exhibits and heritage trail based on “America’s Favorite Fighting Frenchman” – Marquis de Lafayette, that you can check out in Fayetteville, NC.
Marquis de Lafayette Exhibits And Heritage Trail in Fayetteville, NC
Fayetteville was the first U.S. city named for “America’s Favorite Fighting Frenchman,” (as Lafayette is recognized in the musical Hamilton) and the only namesake city he visited. When Lafayette came back to America in 1824/25 he was welcomed in cities like New York, Philadelphia and Boston. Touched by a friend’s story of the first town in America named for him, Lafayette included Fayetteville on his tour. Upon his March 4, 1825 arrival, Fayetteville rolled out the proverbial red carpet to welcome the famed nobleman and gentleman. In his speech of welcome, Judge Toomer proclaimed, “Never, never can we forget the youthful stranger who, in the darkest hour of adversity, so generously flew to our succor, and so gallantly fought the battle of freedom.”
Fayetteville Observer article about Lafayette’s visit to Fayetteville
Today the community recognizes its connection to Lafayette with several historical resources.
The Lafayette Cultural Heritage Trail guides visitors to 13 sites related to Lafayette’s visit on March 4 and 5, 1825. The trail provides a detailed history of the community’s connection to the Revolutionary War hero and the history of each site on the trail. Sites on the trail include:
*Grave of Isham Blake – Blake, a musician in the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War, also served as one of General Lafayette’s bodyguards at the Siege of Yorktown in 1781. Blake and Lafayette reunited during his visit to Fayetteville in 1825.
*Clarendon Bridge – On March 4, Fayetteville’s mayor welcomed Lafayette at the Clarendon Bridge. He was escorted into town by local militia units, including the Fayetteville Independent Light Infantry.
The Fayetteville Area Transportation and Local History Museum houses an exhibit of artifacts from Lafayette’s visit. The exhibit is filled with an array of artifacts, images and information connecting Lafayette to the City of Fayetteville. The exhibit includes letters written by Lafayette, period souvenirs from the visit, a rosette worn at the ball held in Fayetteville and other artifacts.
“Fayetteville and Cumberland County have a rich history dating back to before the Revolutionary War,” says John Meroski, Fayetteville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau (FACVB) President & CEO. “We’ve packaged that history into ten historical trails, including the Lafayette trail. Find them at www.FayettevilleNCTrails.com.”
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That sounds like a great exhibit. I love exploring history through museums as often as I can!
What an awesome place! I love museums like this and would love to visit here! May be a fun weekend trip for us!
I lived in Fayetteville for almost a year when my oldest daughter was a baby. I had no idea there was history in the city like this!
Sounds like a really interesting trip you have planned! My husband would enjoy it with all the rich history involved!
how cool! I have some friends who live in that area that I will send this too.
Wow! So much info! I had no idea there was a town named this and the story behind it. I love learning about town history!
I love events like this one. I am a history buff and love to learn little tidbits about their lives. Thanks for sharing.
This looks like an interesting exhibit..not much of a fan of history but this is really great! Thanks for sharing!
What a lovely informative post. I felt like I learnt something. I would love to visit the exhibit. xx
This sounds really interesting! Thanks to my obsession with Hamilton I have been wanting to go back and learn a lot of the American history that I have forgotten.
It is great learning about the real roots and founder of a city. it seems worthwhile to visit that city and follow he heritage trail and exhibits.
I’m not a fan of most museums/exhibits, but this sounds so interesting!! I love American History
This is such a colorful exhibit and must have so much history attached to it. I would love to observe the pieces for myself one day.
I love heritage trails and stories from back in the day, it’s my favourite touristy thing to do! This one looks brilliant, would love to see it! x
Learning history while having a trip has always fascinated me! The exhibits and heritage trail in in Fayetteville, NC sounds interesting to see.
This sounds like a wonderful place to visit! I will mark this on my list of places to take my family to visit!!
How informative! Such rich history in places like these. I love when communities make it a goal to share and educate others about historic events that occurred there. I hope you enjoy your visit – sounds like so much fun!
Very cool! It sounds like this will be a very educational trip! I have never been to Fayetteville, but I feel like I should start looking into the history side more before I visit a place, so that I know where to go for that when I get there.