War hero Lafayette returning
to Methuen 200 years later!
Revolutionary War hero Marquis De Lafayette is returning to Methuen – arriving in grand style on horse-drawn carriage – on June 21, as he did 200 years ago to the day!
Back then, crowds of Methuen residents came out to get just a glimpse of this military mastermind riding up what is now Route 28, and word is that he even enjoyed a dinner of roasted pig while here. His visit was part of the triumphant “Farewell Tour” of the United States that he started in 1824, nine years before his death. He stopped in Methuen on his way from Boston to Concord, N.H.
In honor of the 200th anniversary of his U.S. travels, The American Friends of Lafayette in Boston is sending a Frenchman to retrace Lafayette’s route. Methuen’s event takes place at noon at Bicentennial Park, next to Nevins Memorial Library. It’s organized by the library and Historic Methuen, formerly known as the Methuen Historical Society. All are welcome!
An excerpt from New England Magazine’s September 1900 issue will be read. The article was titled “Methuen, Massachusetts” and was written by First Church Congregational minister, the Rev. Charles H. Oliphant. The excerpt will cover only the visit of Lafayette to Methuen, which information Rev. Oliphant was able to acquire from the collection of Boston Mayor Josiah Quincy whose son, Josiah Quincy IV, accompanied Lafayette to Methuen.
In May 2022, the city officially unveiled its “Lafayette’s Tour” marker on Broadway, beside the Methuen Police Station and Quinn Public Safety Building. The marker reads, “On June 21, 1825, General Lafayette was welcomed by the people of Methuen, then was escorted to the NH state line by Josiah Quincy IV.”
The sign was the 47th commissioned by the William G. Pomeroy Foundation.
Historic Methuen’s Joe Bella led the charge to get this Lafayette Tour marker placed on Broadway, near the police station, in 2022 in anticipation of the 200th anniversary of the general’s ride. ML file photo
