Albion approves new historic marker for Lafayette by Erie Canal
The new historic marker will include this logo of the Lafayette Trail.
ALBION – The Albion Village Board approved a new historic marker to be placed by the Erie Canal by the gazebo on Platt Street.
The project is led by a middle school service learning class taught by Tim Archer.
The sign will commemorate Marquis de Lafayette, who as a young French aristocrat and military officer served with George Washington and was instrumental in the Continental Army securing American independence from the British monarchy.
In 1824 Marquis de Lafayette was invited to visit the United States for the first time in 41 years. As an American hero and one of the only surviving commanders from the Revolution, he was met with great enthusiasm in visits across 24 states.
Lafayette sailed on the Erie Canal on June 6-7, 1824, travelling between Lockport and Rochester during his farewell tour.
The sign is to be paid for from the Orleans County Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution and the William G. Pomeroy Foundation. It will note Lafayette’s journey on the Erie Canal during the farewell tour, and the sign will also include The Lafayette Trail logo.
The Village Board, in approving the new marker on Wednesday evening, agreed to install the sign and be responsible for its ongoing maintenance, which is expected to be minimal.
The Lafayette Trail Inc. notified the Albion officials that the organization is planning bicentennial celebrations of Lafayette’s farewell tour in 2024-2025.
