Wheeling has hosted many important guests over the centuries—from presidents to athletes to labor activists to actors. On May 24th, 1825, however, the “Nation’s Guest” arrived on Wheeling’s shores: the Marquis de Lafayette.
Who was the Marquis de Lafayette?
The Marquis de Lafayette—Marie-Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier de La Fayette—was a French aristocrat and military officer who fought with the Continental Army during the American Revolution. At just 19 years old in 1777, Lafayette traveled to America and volunteered his services. He developed a close relationship with General George Washington, led troops into battle, and became a celebrated figure on both sides of the Atlantic. Lafayette played a crucial role in persuading King Louis XVI and the French government to send military aid to support the American cause.
Lafayette’s 1824–1825 United States Tour
Nearly 50 years after the American Revolution, President James Monroe invited Lafayette to return for a grand tour of the United States. As the last surviving major general of the war, Lafayette’s visit was designed to commemorate America’s founding and rekindle patriotic spirit. From August 1824 to September 1825, Lafayette traveled more than 6,000 miles across all 24 states, accompanied by his son, Georges Washington de Lafayette, and a small entourage.
In town after town, Lafayette was greeted with parades, speeches, and elaborate celebrations. Veterans and dignitaries gathered to honor him, citizens lined the streets to glimpse his carriage, and communities hosted balls and dinners in his name.
Lafayette’s Visit to Wheeling
By the time Lafayette reached Wheeling, he had been on the road for over nine months. Around midday on May 24, 1825, Lafayette arrived via steamboat on the Ohio River, disembarking at Beymer’s Landing to a crowd of enthusiastic locals.
Judge Alexander Caldwell formally welcomed Lafayette with a public address, to which Lafayette graciously responded. A procession escorted him down Main Street to Mr. Simm’s Hotel, where he greeted more citizens. He spent the afternoon dining, meeting with Wheeling residents—especially Revolutionary War veterans and fellow freemasons—and catching up on correspondence.
That evening, a public ball was held at Edward Graham’s Virginia Hotel, with over a hundred attendees. Due to his age and health, Lafayette observed the festivities from a raised platform. The next morning, May 25th, he and his party continued their journey to Washington, Pennsylvania.
Celebrate the Bicentennial of Lafayette’s Visit
To commemorate the 200th anniversary of Lafayette’s stop in Wheeling, the community will host a special event on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at 1:00 PM at Monument Place in Elm Grove—a site Lafayette visited on his way to Pennsylvania. The celebration will feature a historical reenactor, Ben Goldman, portraying Lafayette, who will arrive in a horse-drawn carriage. A color guard from the Sons of the American Revolution and music from the WVU Fife and Drum Corps will welcome him.
At 1:30 PM, a formal program will begin, including a display of authentic artifacts from Lafayette’s 1825 journey. The event is free and open to the public and is sponsored by the Fort Henry Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution, and the Wheeling Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, in partnership with the American Friends of Lafayette, the City of Wheeling, the Wheeling-Ohio County Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Ohio County Commission, and the Osiris Shrine Temple.
Lafayette’s Impact
While Lafayette spent less than 24 hours in Wheeling, the Frenchman certainly left an impact on the town and the country. Newspapers and local historians continued to write about the visit for decades. At the time of Lafayette’s visit, Wheeling was still part of Virginia—West Virginia was not created for another 38 years. Wheeling, however, was the only town Lafayette visited in what is now West Virginia. Lafayette finally concluded his tour and left the United States in September 1825, returning to France where he died in 1834.
Feel like you missed out on the Lafayette festivities in 1825? In September 2024, the Wheeling Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution unveiled a plaque on Wheeling’s waterfront commemorating Lafayette’s 1825 visit.
