The City of Salem will be hosting a dedication ceremony for a new marker in Salem commemorating General Lafayette's stop here along his return visit to America in 1824. The dedication ceremony, free and open to the public, will be held on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at 1:00 pm.
On August 31, 1824, General Lafayette left Boston and, by way of Chelsea, Lynn, and Marblehead, reached Salem around noon. Lafayette's arrival was announced by an artillery salute as soon as it was known that he had crossed city lines. The Frenchman was then greeted by Colonel Putnam, chairman of the Selectmen of Salem. Lafayette was escorted to the center of town, passing through many streets. Several arches were erected for the occasion. Lafayette was welcomed at the Essex Coffee House, renamed for the occasion as Lafayette Coffee House, before being escorted to Hamilton Hall, where he dined. Around 5 pm, Lafayette took leave of the people of Salem and continued north through Ipswich and Newbury Old Town to Newburyport.
The 'Lafayette Trail' project is placing commemorative markers all along his route during his visit. The marker in Salem is being installed at Lafayette Park along Lafayette Street in the Point neighborhood. This marker will help to tell an historic story, to community members and visitors alike, of an important moment in Salem. As Salem celebrates our 400+ anniversary this year, it is a wonderful time to be highlighting special moments such as this one from throughout our past.
The dedication ceremony for this new marker will also take place as part of a Lafayette250 initiative honoring Lafayette's contributions to American freedom as the United States marks the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Lafayette250 is the first nationwide effort celebrating the semiquincentennial of Lafayette's historic participation in the American Revolution.
The event will start promptly at 1 pm ET on Tuesday, May 26. The public function will take place at the lower end of Lafayette Park, near the corner of Washington and Lafayette streets.
The ceremony is expected to last up to 30 minutes and include remarks from all stakeholders involved in the preparation of this marker, the formal unveiling of the new sign, and photo opportunities for attendees. City of Salem and The Lafayette Trail, Inc. officials will be in attendance.
This marker was donated to the City of Salem by The Lafayette Trail, Inc., with funding from the William G. Pomeroy Foundation.
To find out more about this event and/or the Lafayette Trail project, please visit lafayette250.org.