DALTON, Mass. — In 1825, the Marquis de Lafayette made his way across the state of Massachusetts, passing through the Berkshires as he completed a tour of the young country.

 

Several towns have markers noting his historic passage and Dalton is now included. 

 

On Veterans Day, local officials, Historical Commission members, and others gathered in front of the Community Recreation Association for the unveiling of the marker. 

 

The sign highlights how, on June 13, 1825, Lafayette was welcomed into Dalton at Nelson's coffee house while passing from Pittsfield to Boston.

 

"The sign highlights the rich history and significance of the trail, celebrating its role in connecting our community to the legacy of General Lafayette and promoting awareness of our local heritage," the press release announcing the marker states.

 

The marker's design honors the national colors of France and the United States, Lafayette Trail Inc. founder and President Julien Icher said. 

 

The title "LaFayette's Tour" is generic and common to all Lafayette Trail Inc.'s markers around the nation in addition to the credit of its partner the William G. Pomeroy Foundation at the bottom, Icher said. 

 

The town selected placing the sign in front of the CRA in the hopes that it would attract more visitors because of the improved visibility from the previously proposed location. 

 

In addition the proposed location was on state property along Main Street, which would have required state Department of Transportation approval. 

 

The CRA approved placing the sign on its property because officials feel it aligns with the mission to provide educational and cultural opportunities for the Dalton community, said Alison Peters, CRA Executive Director.

 

"The CRA's mission is to build a sense of community by offering social, educational, recreational, cultural and wellness programs to the Central Berkshire community in a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment," she said. 

 

"When [Icher] reached out to the CRA regarding the trail marker, we were very excited about the opportunity to work with him on this project," Peters said. 

 

"It's important to understand the rich history of our region, and we hope that this marker will inspire our community to dig deeper into General Lafayette's travels, his impact on our country, and the pivotal role he played in assuring the independence of our nation."

 

The French general played a significant role as an ally of the rebellious colonies. President James Monroe invited Lafayette on a tour of the nation in 1824 because of his contributions during the American Revolution.

 

The tour traveled to all 24 states, including crossing the Berkshires directly on the way to Boston to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Bunker Hill. The tour's bicentennial anniversary is starting in August.  

 

The trail runs along Route 20 to Route 8 to Route 143. Route 8 runs right down Main Street. 

 

The non-profit Lafayette Trail Inc. has placed several markers to educate the public on the tour's national significance and "promote a broader understanding of Lafayette's" contributions to American independence.

 

The Berkshires has at least three other markers in Pittsfield, Hinsdale and Peru. The nonprofit has been working with the William G. Pomeroy Foundation to memorialize all the stops Lafayette made.