Return to America and the following years

Lafayette accepted President James Monroe's offer to travel to the United States in 1824 and was warmly welcomed. In August, Lafayette landed in New York and was greeted by veterans of the American Revolution. James Monroe, the president of the United States, personally welcomed him to the White House in Washington, D.C. Besides, he was welcomed by large crowds and praised in towns all around the country. Celebrations continued for the next four days and nights, as they did when Lafayette arrived in Boston and Philadelphia. He was frequently asked to lay the foundation stone for the several memorial buildings that were inspired by his arrival in the US.

Lafayette had also intended to visit the original 13 states, but due to the size of his welcome, he ended up traveling to all 24 states. Washington's burial and Monticello, where the ill 81-year-old Jefferson praised and honored his old buddy, were among the poignant visits made during the visit. On December 10, 1824, Lafayette delivered the first speech by a non-American before the House of Representatives. Numerous communities across the nation were named in his honor as a direct result of that trip and the patriotic fervor it sparked. Additionally, the US Congress decided to give him a $200,000 reward as recognition for his assistance with the American Revolution. Finally, in September 1825, he made his way back to France.