Little Falls NY – On the evening of Tuesday, June 10, 2025, the City of Little Falls, hosted a vibrant ceremony to mark the bicentennial of General Marquis de Lafayette’s Farewell Tour, a 13-month, 6,000-mile journey across 24 states from 1824 to 1825.
The event, held at Benton’s Landing, celebrated Lafayette’s historic arrival in Little Falls on June 11, 1825, and was part of the American Friends of Lafayette’s nationwide tour honoring the Revolutionary War hero and the Franco-American alliance.
The ceremony, MC’d by DAR Astenrogen Chapter Regent Starsniak, featured a 21-gun salute by the Tryon County Militia, reenactments, and speeches that highlighted Lafayette’s enduring legacy.
Earlier in the day, a reenactor portraying Lafayette laid a wreath at the gravesite of General Nicholas Herkimer, adding a poignant tribute to the region’s Revolutionary history.
Mayor Deborah A. Kaufman opened the event by reading a proclamation declaring June 10, 2025, a day to honor Lafayette’s contributions.
“This Bicentennial serves as an opportunity to reflect on Lafayette’s role as a unifying figure during a time of national division,” Kaufman proclaimed, emphasizing his advocacy for liberty and unity as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary in 2026.
Chuck Schwam, Executive Director of the American Friends of Lafayette and National Bicentennial Committee Chair spoke passionately about the organization’s mission to retrace Lafayette’s 1824–1825 journey.
“We’re following Lafayette’s footsteps exactly as it happened,” Schwam said, noting the group’s 400-day itinerary includes events in nearly 350 towns and cities across all 24 states Lafayette visited.
He underscored Lafayette’s historical significance, calling him “the first rock star” for drawing 90,000 people in New York City in 1824, compared to the 4,000 who greeted the Beatles centuries later.
Schwam also highlighted three key messages: the importance of history, the Franco-American alliance, and Lafayette’s advocacy for human rights. “All the questions about the future can be answered simply by studying the past,” he said.
A reenactor portraying General Lafayette delivered a stirring address, reflecting on his 1825 visit and the ideals of liberty.
“The moment I heard of America, I loved her; the moment I knew she was fighting for liberty, I felt the desire to plead for her,” he said, recounting his early commitment to the American cause.
He expressed gratitude for Little Falls’ warm welcome, noting, “To the residents of this town, I thank you for your congratulations on my safe arrival on this hospitable shore, on this land, the sight of which is exciting to me, the liveliest emotions.”
The American Friends of Lafayette, founded in 1932, has 1,500 members nationwide and is leading the bicentennial commemoration, which runs from August 2024 to September 2025.
The organization’s efforts include educational programs and community events to promote Lafayette’s legacy as a champion of democracy, abolitionism, and equality.
Notable attendees included National Vice Chair Dr. Patty McClay and members Phil and Betsy from Richmond, Virginia.
As Little Falls joined the national celebration, the ceremony underscored Lafayette’s timeless message of unity and liberty, resonating with attendees as a reminder of the shared values that continue to shape the nation.
Photos by Mina Bourquin – General Herkimer Home Ceremony
Photos by Dave Warner – Bentons Landing Ceremony
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