On this episode of Our American Stories, by the 1820s, many of the heroes of the American Revolution were gone, and the country they helped create was already beginning to divide. When General Lafayette returned, his visit quickly turned into a nationwide event. His grand tour across the country drew massive crowds and reminded Americans of the leaders and ideals that shaped the nation. Towns, counties, and landmarks across the country still carry his name because of the impact of that visit.

Ryan L. Cole, author of The Last Adieu, shares the story of one of the most unifying moments in early American history. We’d like to thank the Library of Congress for originally hosting this audio.

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