Claiborne, Alabama event drew a crowd of 12,000 in April 1925

Masonic Hall at Perdue Hill

One of the most significant events in Monroe County history took place on April 6, 1825 when French General Marquis de Lafayette visited the town of Claiborne. Lafayette played an important role in the American Revolution, and his 1825 visit to Claiborne was part of a national tour in which he viewed much of the nation that he had a hand in creating.

During his visit to Claiborne, Lafayette visited the home of prominent lawyer, James Dellet, who would later be elected to Congress. Lafayette also visited the Masonic Hall at Claiborne, which is now located at Perdue Hill. If you go to the Masonic Hall today, you will find an historical marker that describes Lafayette’s visit to Claiborne and designates the site as being part of “The Lafayette Trail.”

Fast forward to April 9, 1925 when an estimated crowd of 12,000 people descended on Claiborne to witness the ceremonies marking the 100^th anniversary of Lafayette’s visit. In all likelihood, this crowd of 12,000 was probably the largest crowd to ever assemble for a single event in county history. To put this in perspective, this number represents nearly two-thirds of the county’s current population.

During that event, Lafayette was represented by French Consul General M. deSimonin, a member of the French embassy in Washington, who arrived at Claiborne aboard the steamboat, John Quill. He was escorted by Congressman John McDuffie, who represented Dellet. Others welcoming the Frenchman to Claiborne were a company of prominent Monroe County men, a group of Confederate veterans, Boy Scouts, Indians and a Marine Corps band from Pensacola.

According to The Journal’s 1966 Centennial edition, “high on the bluff overlooking the placid Alabama was the site chosen for staging the drama designed to reenact the notable event 100 years ago. Every town, village and community in Monroe and adjoining counties contributed their quota of participants in the festive occasion.”

I say all that to say that plans are currently in the works for a 200th anniversary event in April of next year at Perdue Hill. I spoke with Agee Broughton of Claiborne on the phone last week, and he and others are in the early stages of planning an event to mark the bicentennial of Lafayette’s famous visit. He joked that he hopes that he doesn’t have to find parking for 12,000 people in Perdue Hill next year, but plans are to have a very nice event next April.

He noted that his group of organizers are trying to secure the services of an historical reenactor, who plays the part of General Lafayette at Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia. The Masonic Hall will also likely figure heavily in next year’s event, just as it did nearly 200 years ago when Lafayette entered its doors to talk with Claiborne’s Freemasons. Mr. Broughton noted that as details become more firm, they will be provided to the newspaper, so that everyone can make plans to attend what looks to be another rare event in the county’s history.