The Marquis de Lafayette was a French General and a hero of the American Revolutionary War. In August of 1824, Lafayette began a thirteen month long tour of the United States in honor of the 50th anniversary of the Revolutionary War. He visited all twenty-four states stopping in many different cities and towns which all welcomed him with celebrations and festivities planned for his arrival. Lexington, Kentucky was one of his stops in the tenth month of his journey.
Visit of the Marquis de Lafayette to the United States. Wikipedia article.
He arrived in Lexington in May of 1825 and was welcomed with processions, picnics, banquets, and balls. He visited Transylvania University, the Lafayette Women’s School, Ashland, Grand Lodge, and other locations around Lexington.
When Lafayette spoke at Transylvania in 1825, the building known as Old Morrison was not yet built. The main academic building, which held the chapel in which he spoke, was located at the top of what is now known as Gratz Park where there is currently a fountain.
The items from this page can be found in MSC 14, MSC 16, the Rafinesque Collection, the Henry Clay Collection.
Materials held by Transy
- Holley Scrapbook
This scrapbook was kept by Horace Holley and possibly also his wife and author Mary Austin Holley. It includes news clippings related to Transylvania, including some on Lafayette's visit beginning on page three (see the hand numbered pagination on the images; or start with page 12 of the pdf).
This 1825 article from the Reporter describes Lafayette's visit to Lexington. It discusses where he stayed, the events that were held in his honor, and lists important speeches addressed to him and from him.
During Lafayette's visit, some commemorative portraits were made, including this sketch by Transylvania University Professor, Constantine Rafinesque.
Constantine Samuel Rafinesque. Wikipedia page
The inscription reads "General Lafayette in 1825 / We bow not the neck, we bend not the knee, but our hearts Lafayette we remember thee. / Drawn by C.S. Rafinesque in Lexington KY."
Invitation to a ball in Lexington in honor of Lafayette. We know from news clippings of the time that there was a big Ball at the Masonic Hall, also known as the Grand Lodge, in Lexington. This invitation is most likely for that party. See the Holley Scrapbook for more information about the events in Lexington surrounding Lafayette's visit in 1825. Held in MSC 16.
- THE ORDER OF EXERCISES IN THE CHAPEL TRANSYLVANIA UNIVERSITY, Collection of Original Pieces in Honour of the arrival of General La Fayette the hero, patriot, and philanthropist, a defender of American independence, ...
...a companion of Washington, and a devoted friend of liberty and equal laws in Europe and America.
This pamphlet lists the exercises that were performed in the chapel of Transylvania University in honor of Lafayette's visit. It contains poems, songs, and speeches in English, French, and Latin all of which are dedicated to Lafayette. - Visit of General Lafayette to the Lafayette Female Academy in Lexington, Kentucky, May 16, 1825, and the exercises in honour of the nation's guest: together with a catalogue of the instructers, visitors, and pupils, of the Academy
This is a link to the copy held at Library of Congress. TU also has a copy.
A book of exercises from Lafayette's visit to the Lafayette Female Academy. It contains addresses, songs, and poetry in English and French that were written in his honor by the students. The pamphlet also contains a description of the event and some of the speeches made by Lafayette himself.
- Letter, Henry Clay to Bradford, Holley, et al. April 7, 1825 - Regarding Lafayette's visit to Lexington
Letter from Henry Clay to Bradford Holley et al. about Lafayette's visit in May of 1825 and reads:
"Gentlemen, I ought earlier to have transmitted to you the enclosed letter from Gen'l La Fayette, but as it will reach you in time to be informed of when he may be expected at Lexington, no [...] will result from the delay. He left Augusta [?] on the 23rd of March and so far had been able to perform his journey according to the plan which he had arranged prior to its commencement. He expects to be in N. Orleans on the 3rd of May and in Lexington on the 11th of that month; but circumstances may retard or accelerate his arrival. If he give up his trip to St. Louis he will be with you earlier. It is my wish to meet him at Lexington, but I am not sure that my public duties will admit of the gratification of it."
Letter found in MSC 14. - Letter, Lafayette, October 23, 1778 - Letter of introduction for General Charles Scott
Letter from Lafayette to General Scott and reads:
"General Scott, for whom I have the highest respect and attachment, having acquainted me that [Smith?] is employed by a commercial house to go to France and that he is desirous that he should be well recommended; I take the liberty Gentlemen, of addressing him to you, with that confidence which your regard for me [...] affection for every American inspires one with : I beseech you to let him have the benefit of the acquaintance of your friends in those ports where his business may lead him. I shall be infinitely obliged to you for any services you may render him : and I intreat [sic] you to be convinced, Gentlemen, of the sincere attachment with which I have the honor to be your very humble and very obedient servant, Lafayette."
Letter found in MSC 16.
Edited by Katie Woolcott, class of 2026.