1825: "An Electrick Spark"
Portrait of Gilbert Motier, the Marquis de Lafayette by Joseph-Désiré Court.
The Marquis de Lafayette visited Concord in 1824. Lafayette had fought in George Washington’s Continental Army, and played a major role in the American Revolution’s final battle at Yorktown. He was invited by President James Monroe to embark on a “Farewell Tour” of the United States, during which he came to Concord. Lafayette’s visit inspired town officials to plan an official celebration for the 50th anniversary of the Concord Fight.
An illustrated postcard depicting the Concord Fight, c. early 20th century.
For Concordians in 1825, the American Revolution was recent history. Those who were too young to have witnessed it certainly had parents or grandparents who had. One committee member wrote that the Concord Fight was “an electrick spark which for half a century has shaken the world.” Respect for recent history was the primary focus, and veterans were given commemorative badges during the celebration.
A resolution by the Committee of Arrangements to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Concord Fight, 1825.
The planning for the 1825 celebration was set in motion by a committee resolution. In the resolution, committee members cite the auspiciousness and importance of the day. They "deem it [their] duty specially to commemorate by a public celebration." Their goal was to honor "those patriotic actions by which our independence was declared and achieved."