Greenwich Commemorates Lafayette’s 1824 Visit With Historical Marker

GREENWICH, CT — The Horseneck Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution held a ceremony Sunday to unveil a historical marker commemorating the 200th anniversary of the Marquis de Lafayette’s visit to Greenwich in 1824.

Local officials in attendance included First Selectman Fred Camillo, Selectperson Janet Stone McGuigan, Selectwoman Lauren Rabin, and Greenwich Historical Society Executive Director and CEO Debra Mecky.

Also present was Gail Covney from the Alliance Française, members of the Sons of the American Revolution, and members of the public.

The new marker, located at Putnam Hill Park at the corner of Old Church Road and East Putnam Avenue, was donated to the Town of Greenwich by the William G. Pomeroy Foundation with the approval of the Board of Selectmen and other town departments.

Lafayette returned to the United States in 1824 at the invitation of President James Monroe, embarking on a 6,000-mile journey through all 13 original states.

As the last surviving general of the Revolutionary War, he was greeted by large crowds in towns and cities across the country. Greenwich was his first stop in Connecticut.

According to historical records, Lafayette visited Putnam Hill Park in 1824 to honor General Israel Putnam, a hero of the American Revolution.

The ceremony is part of a yearlong commemoration that began with a historical exhibit at Greenwich Town Hall detailing Lafayette’s life, including his role as a major general in George Washington’s Continental Army.

Last August, on the anniversary of his 1824 visit, the Greenwich Historical Society hosted an event featuring Lafayette’s descendants from France, followed by a French-themed luncheon at L’Escale restaurant.