The Hero of Two Worlds. The Marquis de Lafayette aka General Lafayette was a French nobleman and military officer who volunteered to join the Continental Army, led by George Washington, in the American Revolutionary War. In 1824, President James Monroe invited him to return to the United States as the nation's guest, whereupon he visited all 24 states in the Union. While in Illinois, he made only two stops. The first was at Kaskaskia, the lost capital of Illinois. His second stop was in Shawneetown where a grand reception awaited him. The year 2025 marks the 200th anniversary of Lafayette's Farewell Tour of the United States. Please join us in Old Shawneetown on May 9, 2025 to celebrate " The Hero of Two Worlds". The Gallatin County Historical Society along with many other groups will be hosting an all day event to honor the Marquis and all of his service to this great nation of ours.
There will be food, music, craft vendors, re-enactors, and a Lafayette impersonator. The historical society will host a re-enactment of his visit that was written by Lucille Lawler. Lucille was a past president of the society, an author, and a top notch historian. So save the date and mark your calendars and join us to celebrate a nation's hero, to preserve and promote the history of Gallatin County, and to make new history.
Gallatin County Historical Society in Southern Illinois
Gallatin County Historical Society in Southern Illinois
Promoting and Preserving Gallatin County history
The Gallatin County Historical Society owns and operates the John Marshall Home Bank/Museum. We are open May through Oct., on the 1st & 3rd Sundays from 1pm to 4pm. Additional Tours by appointment. Operated with donations & by volunteers, you can find us on the Ohio River Scenic Byway. Our annual Year in Review Newsletter is mailed out at the beginning of the new year and a Newsletter update goes out about mid-year. Your membership and tax deductible donations are very important to us for the continual maintenance and upkeep of the John Marshall Home Bank/Museum. If you would like to become a member or if you are interested in a tour, please send us a message and we'll get back with you just as soon as we possibly can.
Gallatin County Historical Society in Southern Illinois
Gallatin County Historical Society in Southern Illinois
Promoting and Preserving Gallatin County history
The Gallatin County Historical Society owns and operates the John Marshall Home Bank/Museum. We are open May through Oct., on the 1st & 3rd Sundays from 1pm to 4pm. Additional Tours by appointment. Operated with donations & by volunteers, you can find us on the Ohio River Scenic Byway. Our annual Year in Review Newsletter is mailed out at the beginning of the new year and a Newsletter update goes out about mid-year. Your membership and tax deductible donations are very important to us for the continual maintenance and upkeep of the John Marshall Home Bank/Museum. If you would like to become a member or if you are interested in a tour, please send us a message and we'll get back with you just as soon as we possibly can.