Historical Society to Recreate Encounter with Lafayette to Mark Bicentennial of Frenchman’s Tour of Vermont
- President, Waterbury Historical Society
- Jun 10
- 1 min read
Waterbury Historical Society has partnered with the Vermont chapter of the American Friends of Lafayette to do an interpretive reenactment of General Lafayette’s visit to Waterbury as he made his way from Montpelier to Burlington, the final stop on his Farewell Tour of the young country whose independence he helped win.
On his way through town, Lafayette stopped at the home of prominent Waterbury politician, lawyer, and preacher Ezra Butler to give his regards.
The event will begin at 9:15 a.m. on Sunday, June 29, on the front lawn of Butler’s house at 73 N. Main St. There will be refreshments, lawn games, an educational program, and society members in period costume as Ezra Butler and his daughter, Fanny Butler. The general, accompanied by then-Governor Cornelius Van Ness (both played by reenactors from the Friends of Lafayette), is expected to arrive around 9:45 a.m. to greet the Butlers and toast Lafayette’s triumphant two-year tour as a “Guest of the Nation.”
Parking is available at Anderson Field located at 27 Butler Street, with a short walk to the Butler house.
