From New York City to Washington, D.C., Historical Marker Trail Reignites Widespread Fascination with ‘America’s Favorite Fighting Frenchman’
The Lafayette Trail and William G. Pomeroy Foundation Partnership Spotlights 200th Anniversary of Gen. Lafayette’s Visit to Starstruck Nation with Historical Markers Across Entirety of Original ‘Farewell Tour’
PAWTUCKET, R.I.—Soon this New England city of 75,000 residents will be among 170 communities across 25 states and Washington, D.C., with a newly minted historical marker commemorating Revolutionary War General Lafayette’s triumphal journey across a young and starstruck United States in 1824-1825.
Pawtucket’s historical marker will ceremoniously bookend a far-reaching endeavor by the Maryland-based nonprofit, The Lafayette Trail, to recognize Lafayette’s legacy in every state he visited as the “Nation’s Guest” some 200 years ago. All 170 bicentennial markers on the trail were funded by the William G. Pomeroy Foundation, a philanthropic organization in Syracuse, N.Y., whose mission supports the commemoration of history by providing fully funded grants for markers nationwide.
Celebrations for Lafayette Trail markers from West Point to Yorktown and from sites up and down the Mississippi River and Eastern seaboard have evoked an excitement that echoes the enthusiasm of Lafayette’s farewell visit 200 years ago. Lafayette’s legacy and the nation’s friendship with France have endured.
“We have reached an incredible milestone that brings into focus the marvelous collaborations taking place among people, organizations, and communities to recognize Lafayette’s impact on national history,” said Julien Icher, president and founder of The Lafayette Trail. “There is no better time than now, during the bicentennial, to reflect on General Lafayette’s far-reaching influence. The marker trail would not be possible without the unwavering support of the William G. Pomeroy Foundation. Communities feel pride and excitement as they receive their grant-funded marker highlighting ‘America’s Favorite Fighting Frenchman.’ The marker dedications often inspire public celebrations that bring people together.”
As the bicentennial continues, The Lafayette Trail markers engage people in local history as they learn about their communities’ connections to the General and his “Farewell Tour”. Lafayette had a lifelong dedication to American republicanism, democratic equality, and self-determination. He championed the Rights of Man, acted as a mediator between Native nations and U.S. officials, and vehemently condemned the practice of slavery.
“We are proud to support The Lafayette Trail and Julien Icher’s remarkable efforts to bring attention to General Lafayette’s role in U.S. history,” said Bill Brower, executive director of the Pomeroy Foundation. “This is especially true at local and regional levels where communities benefit from historical markers, researched by professional Pomeroy Foundation historians, which feature their history. With the leadership of our Founder and Trustee Bill Pomeroy, the Foundation has funded more than 2,600 Pomeroy Markers nationwide, helping communities to emphasize education, tourism, and the power of place. We look forward to working with many more partners in the years to come.”
Now, with the Rhode Island marker in Pawtucket, each of the 25 states and Washington, D.C. represented by the footprint of Lafayette’s 1824-1825 tour have a marker funded by the Pomeroy Foundation helping to tell that story.
“We are incredibly honored that Pawtucket has been chosen as Rhode Island’s site on The Lafayette Trail, marking an important piece of our nation’s history right here in our city,” said Donald R. Grebien, mayor of Pawtucket. “It is a true privilege for the City of Pawtucket to play a role in this historic initiative—not only completing The Lafayette Trail’s goal of having markers in every state he visited, but also ensuring Lafayette’s legacy and his Farewell Tour are remembered and appreciated for generations to come in Rhode Island. Pawtucket is committed to preserving and celebrating our rich history, and this marker serves as a reminder of Lafayette’s lasting impact on our nation’s independence and his advocacy for national unity.”
About The Lafayette Trail
The Lafayette Trail, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization interpreting the legacy of General Lafayette in the U.S. and France. Its goal is to promote a greater understanding of Lafayette’s legacy by leveraging today the same material culture that Lafayette used in 1824 to enhance the significance of his triumphal tour. The Lafayette Trail, Inc. coordinates the national Lafayette Trail historical marker program and produces the not-for-profit documentary series Follow The Frenchmen. It is one of the many organizations currently celebrating the bicentennial of Lafayette’s Triumphal Tour across the United States. To find out more about The Lafayette Trail, please visit lafayette2024.org.
About the William G. Pomeroy Foundation
The William G. Pomeroy Foundation® is committed to supporting the celebration and preservation of community history, and working to improve the probability of finding appropriate donor matches or other life-saving treatments for blood cancer patients. Established by Trustee Bill Pomeroy in 2005 to bring together his two greatest passions, the Pomeroy Foundation is a private, philanthropic organization located in Syracuse, N.Y. As the nation’s leading funder of historical markers, the Pomeroy Foundation has awarded more than 2,600 grants to fully fund markers and bronze plaques in 49 states and Washington, D.C. To learn more about the Pomeroy Foundation, visit wgpfoundation.org.
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Media Contacts
Steve Bodnar
Associate Director, Strategic Marketing
William G. Pomeroy Foundation
[email protected] | (315) 913-4068
Julien Icher
Founder and President
The Lafayette Trail, Inc.
[email protected] | (603) 845 6929