Lafayette in Western Pennsylvania: His Time on the Trail and Impact through History
In 1824, Marquis de Lafayette, the French nobleman and military officer who volunteered to join George Washington's Continental Army to fight for American freedom in the Revolutionary War, embarked upon a 13-month journey that covered 6,000 miles across 24 states that stretched into 1825 for what is known as "Lafayette's Farewell Tour." That tour included time in western Pennsylvania from May 25 through June 3. Join historian Richard Arthur as we celebrate the bicentennial of Lafayette's famed tour as he discusses the tales that reflect different communities' hospitality for "The Nation's Guest." During this event, the Hagen History Center team will display items from their archives, including a tablecloth Lafayette stained with coffee during his June 3, 1825, dinner in Erie.
Location: Jefferson Educational Society - 3207 State St, Erie, PA 16508
Date/Time: Monday, April 14, 7-8:30PM
Admission: FREE
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Richard Jay Arthur, M.A., is a native of Pittsburgh. A 23-year veteran Army
officer, he has a lifelong interest in history with particular focus on the American
Colonial period. He has given talks on the Founding Fathers and the Continental
Army and lectured on the role of Pennsylvanians on the planning and actions of
D-Day, including stories based on interviews with participants. A website features
stories from his Butler County youth at www.butlercountyboyhood.com. He earned his
bachelor’s degree from Allegheny College, and his master’s from George Washington
University. He and his wife, Mary Lou, live in rural Erie County, where they operate
Winter’s End, an environment that supports bees and butterflies.
