Four decades after fighting alongside George Washington and the Continental Army in the American Revolution, the Marquis de Lafayette made a hero’s return to the United States in 1824. Hailed as both benefactor and friend of the American people, the French nobleman embarked on a thirteen-month tour of the country at the invitation of Pres. James Monroe.

As the Marquis visited each of the twenty-four states in the Union, he was met by leaders and citizens eager to showcase a nation prospering under the principles of liberty. Striving to spark renewed patriotism and civic engagement in its populace, the young state of Alabama proudly joined in the celebrations.