The Overlooked Legacy of LaFayette’s 1824-1825 Tour of America
Presented by Nancy Spannaus,
Public Historian and Author
Sunday, May 18, 2025, at 2:00 p.m.
St. James United Church of Christ,
10 East Broad Way, Lovettsville
In August of 1824, General Gilbert Lafayette arrived in the United States for a tour as a “guest of the nation.” His visit coincided with the bitter election campaign of that year, which reflected the schisms that would ultimately lead to the Civil War. Yet during the course of his visit, Lafayette’s own popularity as the last remaining general from the Revolutionary War united hundreds of thousands of Americans in honoring the General, and rekindled a spirit of national unity.
On the surface, the General studiously avoided expressing any preference for the four presidential candidates who were fighting for the presidency. Yet, could he really be neutral in this fight? The core issue dividing the contenders was the future of the American System of Economics, which President James Monroe had begun to implement after a long period of Jeffersonian sabotage of this outlook.
Lecturer Nancy Spannaus, author of two books on Hamilton’s economics, will elaborate on the political context of this cliff-hanger election, and indications of Lafayette’s role. But there’s more: In researching for this talk, she uncovered some little-known aspects of Lafayette’s legacy, which show just how important his influence was on the long-term development of our nation. Come and get the story!
The program will not be live-streamed, but a video recording of the event will be posted on the Lovettsville Historical Society website.
Although admission is free, donations are welcome to defray expenses of the program and to support the activities of the Lovettsville Historical Society.