Albion will dedicate historical marker on April 14 for Lafayette Trail

Provided photo: This historical marker will soon be placed by the Erie Canal in Albion to commemorate Marquis de Lafayette, who as a young French aristocrat and military officer served with George Washington.

ALBION – A new historical marker will be dedicated April 14 in Albion. The sign will be placed by the Erie Canal near 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.

The marker will be dedicated at 10 a.m. on April 14 in an informal event that includes the service learning class and Seventh Grade History Club.

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 paid for from the Orleans County Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution and the William G. Pomeroy Foundation. The marker notes Lafayette’s journey on the Erie Canal during the farewell tour, and the sign will also include The Lafayette Trail logo.

The Lafayette Trail Inc. notified the Albion officials that the organization is planning bicentennial celebrations of Lafayette’s farewell tour in 2024-2025.