Dutchess embraces Lafayette, hero of American Revolution

By Margaretta Downey
Poughkeepsie Journal

Lafayette was 67 at the time, and had returned to America for the first time since this nation had won its independence. The Poughkeepsie Journal’s article about his visit gave a tedious, minute-by-minute account of the event, exactly who was in the parade, in what order, who shook his hand when.

It didn’t once describe what the general looked like or what he was wearing. It never quoted him directly. But, boy, you knew that everything was done properly.

A brief excerpt: ‘‘Good order, sobriety and decorum were every where conspicuous. the extended cavalcade, as it ascended the hill from the river, occupying as it did, nearly the whole width of Main Street, from the river, quite past the court house — the windows of very house filled with well-dressed females, testifying by their smiles and the waving of their handkerchiefs, their joy and gratitude in a manner, though less boisterous yet as sincerely, as did the multitude below by their joyous shouts and acclamations — presented altogether one of the most grand and imposing spectacles we have ever beheld.’’

Clearly, the general’s return had an impact. In 1829, the Town of Freedom in Dutchess County changed its name to that of Lafayette’s estate in France — La Grange.