Recollections of General Lafayette on his visit to the United States, 1824 and 1825

What it is

Written by Amos Parker and published in 1879, this book recalls Lafayette's 1824-25 visit to the United States and other remarkable incidents from his life, from birth to death. It began as a talk given to a historical society.

Why it matters

Lafayette's tour of America decades after the Revolution was a huge public event, and firsthand memories like Parker's helped keep that enthusiasm alive in later decades. It shows how ordinary Americans experienced and remembered Lafayette as a living link to the Revolution.

Look closer

• Why might memories written down many years after an event differ from memories recorded at the time?
• What does the popularity of Lafayette's tour tell you about his reputation in America?
• What does the author choose to include, and what might he have left out?