Lafayette’s 1825 Visit Focus of April 12 Program

During its annual meeting on April 12 at the Lakeshore Assembly of God, 252 E Main St., Westfield, CCHS will host a presentation on General Lafayette’s visit to Fredonia in 1825,

The annual meeting gives CCHS members an opportunity to learn about the organization’s highlights over the past year. The program, presented by Maxwell Walters, curator of the Barker Museum in Fredonia, will focus on General Lafayette's visit to Fredonia 200 years ago in 1825. 

The business portion of the historical society's annual meeting will begin at 10 a.m. when CCHS president Jason Sample provides the organization’s annual report. Other trustees will offer updates on McClurg Museum, its exhibits, and the CCHS collection, among other items. Walters’ presentation will start at approximately 10:45 a.m.

No reservations are required and the event is free and open to the public. Coffee and doughnuts will be provided. CCHS members are especially encouraged to attend to participate in the election of board members and to meet the 2025 officers.

Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette, known simply as "Lafayette" in the U.S., was a French nobleman and military officer who volunteered to join the Continental Army, led by General George Washington, in the American Revolutionary War. Lafayette was ultimately permitted to command Continental Army troops in the decisive Siege of Yorktown in 1781, the war’s final major battle that secured American independence.

President James Monroe and Congress invited Lafayette to visit the U.S. in 1824 and 1825, in part to celebrate the nation's 50th anniversary. During his tour of the still young nation, Lafayette’s travels brought him to Chautauqua County and, specifically, the village of Fredonia.