Selma in Dallas County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)
Lafayette's Tour
Mapping the Farewell Tour
| | The Lafayette Trail | |
Photographed by Mark Hilton, June 1, 2025
1. Lafayette's Tour Marker
Although the marker shows 2024, it was placed in April, 2025.
On April 5, 1825, General Lafayette, outspoken abolitionist, was greeted by locals aboard the steamer "Anderson" off Selma.
Erected 2025 by William G. Pomeroy Foundation. (Marker Number 149.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Patriots & Patriotism. In addition, it is included in the Lafayettes Farewell Tour series list. A significant historical date for this entry is April 5, 1825.
Location. 32° 24.433′ N, 87° 1.092′ W. Marker is in Selma, Alabama, in Dallas County. It is at the intersection of Washington Street and Water Avenue, on the right when traveling north on Washington Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1201 Water Ave, Selma AL 36703, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the American South, specifically in the Deep South, and in the Black Belt. Globally, it is in North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: St. James Hotel (within shouting distance of this marker); This Tablet Commemorates the Visit of Lafayette
this page online
Another marker is no longer nearby. The Selma Movement (was about 400 feet away but has been permanently removed).
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker.
Additional commentary.
Photographed by Mark Hilton, June 1, 2025
2. Lafayette's Tour Marker
Across street, on right of photo, can be seen the 1931 DAR plaque mounted on a brick pillar. On left, in background, is the now St. James Hotel, which was the Headquarters of General James H. Wilson during the Civil War battle of Selma.
1. Lafayette's Visit to Selma & the State Capitol in Cahawba.
On April 5th 1825, Lafayette and his party boarded two steamboats on the Alabama River and made a quick stop at Selma so its citizens could meet the legendary figure. The party next stopped at Cahaba, then the state capital, where Lafayette was treated to another lavish reception. A band played "Lafayette's March," and Alabama's attorney general Henry Hitchcock delivered a welcome address. Interestingly, Hitchcock was a grandson of Lafayette's wartime friend, Gen. Ethan Allen of Vermont. Lafayette and his party enjoyed a formal reception and public barbecue dinner at the state house.
— Submitted June 1, 2025, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.
Photographed by Mark Hilton, June 1, 2025
3. Nearby 1931 DAR plaque honoring Lafayette's Visit.
Diagonally across Water Ave, this plaque commemorates Lafayette on his volunteer service to the United States during the American Revolution.
Photographed by Mark Hilton, June 1, 2025
4. Another Lafayette's Tour Commemoration from 1931.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 1, 2025. It was originally submitted on June 1, 2025, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 241 times since then and 39 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 1, 2025, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.
