Almost two hundred years ago today (196 years on May 4, to be precise), an incredible journey came to an end. At least, it’s incredible by today’s standards.
The Background
In 1824, as the United States of America approached its fiftieth anniversary, national pride had waned. In an effort to reverse this decline, President James Monroe invited American Revolutionary War Hero, France’s Marquis de Lafayette, to return and tour the country he’d help free.
Word of the general’s visit spread like wildfire, and he was greeted at every stop like a rock star. Meeting this legendary man provided a connection with the rapidly disappearing generation of Founding Fathers.
Everyone from prominent citizens to ordinary people turned out. But it was the elderly Revolutionary War veterans, seeing once again the man they’d fought beside, who were most affected.
General Lafayette turned 67 one month into his year-long tour (August 1824 – September 1825). The following year, he celebrated his 68th birthday at the White House and set sail for France and home the next day.
The Incredible Journey
Nashville resident, and former immigrant and revolutionary soldier, John E. Hagey, heard about Lafayette’s upcoming visit to Nashville. They’d originally met on a ship bound for America. Mr. Hagey had first served as a companion and later a bodyguard for the General, and he wanted to see the man one last time.
But he had a problem. Work had taken him to Huntsville, Alabama, and he needed to get back to Nashville ASAP.
There was only one thing he could do.
He started walking. That’s right, Mr. Hagey, 77 at the time, began walking back to Nashville. A journey of over 100 miles.
Three days later, when he finally walked into town, the Nashville parade for General Lafayette had already begun. Though there were thousands of people in attendance, Mr. Hagey managed to get into position just prior to the General’s approach. When the man was in sight, Mr. Hagey bowed before him. Lafayette recognized his old friend and “emotionally embraced” him, moving the crowd to tears.
The Friendship
The bond between these two men endured, regardless of the years and miles that had separated them.
Is there anyone you’d walk 100 miles to see?
John E. Hagey is buried in the Nashville City Cemetery. To read his headstone, click here.
You can read more about the Marquis de Lafayette’s visit to Nashville, specifically The Hermitage, here and more about his visit to the United States here.
Thank you for this interesting story.
You’re welcome, Mary. I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Mr. Hagey was a fascinating character, but the first time I heard his story, the thing I found most surprising–and interesting–was that Lafayette came back to the states for a “reunion tour” to increase patriotism. Such an interesting piece of history. One I never heard about it in any history class.