The Last Adieu: Lafayette’s Farewell Tour and the Carriage That Carried a Nation’s Memory
Hosted by Studebaker National MuseumHear the story of the Marquis de Lafayette’s remarkable 1824–1825 grand tour of United States, then see and learn about one of the carriages he used during his travels.
Event Details
The Studebaker National Museum welcomes author and historian Ryan L. Cole for an engaging evening celebrating his new book, The Last Adieu: Lafayette’s Triumphant Return, the Echoes of Revolution, and the Gratitude of the Republic. Cole will bring to life the remarkable 1824–1825 grand tour in which the Marquis de Lafayette—the last living major general of the Continental Army—journeyed through all twenty-four states of the young republic, inspiring hundreds of celebrations, parades, and events in his honor. Arriving on American shores, Lafayette himself wrote that “memories of the Revolution have come back to life”—a sentiment that feels just as resonant today as America prepares to mark its 250th anniversary. Lafayette’s tour, and the outpouring of gratitude it inspired, offers a powerful lens through which we can shape our own celebration of America 250.
The evening then moves to one of the Studebaker National Museum’s most extraordinary artifacts, as Curator Kyle Sater shares the fascinating story behind one of the carriages Lafayette used during his celebrated tour of the United States, a permanent part of the museum’s collection. Following both talks, guests are invited to enjoy a Q&A session, light refreshments, and the chance to explore the rest of the museum at their leisure.
Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and the program runs from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Tickets are free, but reservations are highly encouraged. Register by clicking on the RSVP link above.
About Ryan Cole
Ryan L. Cole is the author of Light-Horse Harry Lee: Rise and Fall of a Revolutionary Hero and The Last Adieu: Lafayette’s Triumphant Return, the Echoes of Revolution, and the Gratitude of the Republic. He has delivered lectures around the country, including at the Hudson Historical Society, the Indiana Historical Society, and the Library of Congress. His writing has appeared in the Wall Street Journal, American Heritage, Civil War Journal, and the Indianapolis Star, among other publications. He lives in Indiana.
For more information, email the Studebaker National Museum at museum@studebakermuseum.org or call 574.235.9714.
This program received support from an Indiana Humanities Mini-Grant.