AREA HISTORY:  Visit of La Fayette, Borough of York, York County, PA

Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Kathy Francis

Copyright 2006.  All rights reserved.
http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm
http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/york/
_______________________________________________ 

History of York County, Pennsylvania.  John Gibson, Historical Editor.
Chicago: F. A. Battey Publishing Co., 1886.
_______________________________________________

VISIT OF LA FAYETTE – Page 554

Early in the year 1825, an event occurred which revived the patriotic feelings of the American 
people, and thrilled them with emotions of gratitude.  It was the visit of La Fayette to this 
country, and the scenes of his youthful heroism, in behalf of liberty.  On Saturday, January 
29, 1825, at 9 o’clock in the evening, he arrived in York, and passed on to Harrisburg, 
accompanied by Gen. Jacob Spangler and Adam King, of York.  They crossed the river at York 
Haven.  He returned on Wednesday, the 2d of February, and “our people were gratified with an 
opportunity of giving to their early friend and protector a reception, of pouring forth 
overflowing hearts of gratitude and welcome to him whose name is a passport to the heart of 
every American.”  He arrived at 4 o’clock at the first turnpike gate, where he was met by the 
military and citizens.  The general ascended a barouche, drawn by gray horses, and the 
procession entered the town, which was brilliantly illuminated, and all the bells ringing, 
moved up George Street, to the court house, and through the principal streets of the town to 
his place of lodging, at McGrath’s hotel.  A dinner was there given to him, to which 100 
gentlemen sat down.  To the following toast he responded:

La Fayette – We love him as a man, hail him as a deliverer, revere him as a champion of 
freedom, a welcome him as a guest.

To which he gave:

The town of York – the seat of the American union in our most gloomy times – May its citizens 
enjoy in the same proportion their share of American prosperity.

He reviewed the military of the town the next day, and then left for Baltimore.  The military 
companies at that time were, Capt. Nes’ Artillery, Capts. Small, Barnitz, Frysinger and Stuck’s 
Infantry, and Capt. Smith’s Rifles.

The remains of Zachary Taylor, who died while president of the United States, passed through 
York, October 25, 1850.  They were taken through Columbia, Middletown and Harrisburg to 
Pittsburgh, and from thence by steamer to Louisville, Ky.  “Old Whitey,” his famous horse which 
he used during the Mexican War, was in the front car of the train.

Maj. Andre, the noted English spy, while a prisoner, was in York for a short time during the 
Revolution.  He was at Carlisle for a time; was transferred through York to Lancaster, where he 
was kept for several months.

The remains of President Garfield passed through York on a special train in 1881.