Spring 2014 Lewiston’s Most Famous Visitor: Lafayette in 1825 French General who helped America Win Independence Spends Night Here. Lewiston “The Hero of Two Worlds” Receives Rock Star Welcome Across the Country. History year old daughter of owner Catharine Mysteries Kelsey, was picked up by the General Lafayette's Lewiston Time Line and kissed on both cheeks. He made a short address of thanks and then Sunday, June 25, 1825 retired to his room where supper was 2pm: Arrives in Niagara Falls and gets a tour served. It was his third reception of from Judge Augustus Porter (whom the Town In 1824, President James the day and he was getting fatigued. A of Porter is named after). Ilustration by Lew-Port student, Geri Posa Monroe invited General group of late comers assembled in front Tuscarora Chief Nicholas Cusick and General Lafayette greet each other Lafayette to the United States of the tavern and asked to see him. He 3:30pm: Lafayette and his party cross the during Lafayette’s visit to Lewiston in 1825. They were old !iends and served bridge to Goat Island and remain there for 2 as the "nation's guest.” He opened the window of his front together in the American Revolutionary War. visited more than 70 bedroom and spoke a few gracious hours. The General was mesmerized by the communities in all 24 states words to them.” Falls and spent 30 minutes alone in quiet Lafayette Reunites with Tuscarora between July 1824 and After their departure, Mrs. Kelsey contemplation. Judge Porter offered to sell September 1825. discovered the General had left behind him Goat Island for $10,000, but he declined Friend Who Reportedly Saved His Life Marquis de Lafayette Historian Clarence Lewis a lunch basket containing a small white because it was too far away from . When General Lafayette was in Lewiston he did not forget to reported that “no man, save plate which little Miss Kelsey demanded as a look up an old friend and ally, Nicholas Cusick (1756-1840). It himself, was so beloved by the American people souvenir. Also left behind was a small mahogany 8pm: Lafayette was an emotional reunion and both men were reported to have as Gen. Lafayette.” Lewistonians were “agog” medicine chest. The basket, the plate and arrives in tears in their eyes when they met. with excitement when they found out Lafayette medicine chest have all been lost to history. Lewiston and Cusick was a Tuscarora chief who served on the American side would be visiting our town. Lafayette subsequently visited Lockport and goes directly to a in the Revolutionary War as an interpreter and leader of the The Kelsey Tavern at 625 Center Street was continued to Rochester via the newly opened reception at Indian Rangers. As an expert in Indian affairs, he often chosen as the most desirable place to hold a Erie Canal. Kelsey's Tavern. consulted George Washington and fought in the Battle of reception. It was reported, “The General was A bronze plaque mounted on a stone at the Saratoga. He was later assigned to be the bodyguard of Gen. Lafayette and is credited with saving his life. Four Cusicks escorted into the [Kelsey] parlor and Col. Kelsey Tavern commemorates Lafayette’s visit to Monday, An early photograph of Kelsey’s Tavern William King, a prominent veteran of the War of Lewiston. He died in 1834 and is buried in June 26, 1825 at 625 Center St. where Lafayette stayed. (Nicholas’ sons and relatives) were “Tuscarora Heroes” in the War of 1812. 1812, introduced villagers as they filed past and Picpus Cemetery in , under soil brought 6am: Lafayette’s party leaves Lewiston to shook hands with him. Martha Kelsey, the 8 from Bunker Hill in Massachusetts. Ann Marie Linnabery of the Niagara County History Center provided much of have breakfast at Fort Niagara where he is this information. greeted with a 24 gun salute. After visiting the Welcome to Tuscarora Heroes Book troops, he returns to Lewiston. FREE Introductory Special Historic Lewiston, NY The amazing and true story of how the Get 1 Private & 1 Group Lesson Tuscaroras saved Lewiston citizens from 10am: Lafayette leaves Lewiston and heads Ranked “Top Ten Best Small the brutal British attack during the War east on Ridge Road to Lockport. He stops at at no cost Towns in America” -- Rand McNally of 1812. The book is now available at the Tuscarora Reservation where a large crowd Learning how to dance has The Historical Association of Lewiston hopes you enjoy DiCamillo Bakery and the Lewiston had gathered to greet him. Lafayette called never been more fun! Museum for $10. your visit to our historic and quaint village. Mark your out and asked if his long time friend, Chief Wedding Couples, Dance Specials calendar for our next spectacular Lewiston Tour of Homes for All Couples on Dec. 6 & 7, 2014. Tuscarora Heroes Coin Nicholas Cusick, was there. Cusick yells, “I’m Get our free email newsletters by sending an email to: here, General” and the two embraced. Ballroom • Rhumba • Zumba • Cha-Cha • Salsa • Waltz • Swing • This beautiful new commemorative Foxtrot • Bolero • Argentine • Mambo • Tango • Samba [email protected]. You can also see and download coin represents the “good luck” the Lafayette presented the Chief with a our past placemats at our website, HistoricLewiston.org. Tuscaroras brought to Lewiston “handsome belt” as a token of his long time 222 Portage Road, Lewiston Historic Lewiston placemats written and designed by citizens. Available at Apple Granny and friendship with Cusick and invited him to join volunteer, Lee Simonson. Call 716-335-8652 or 716-310-9291 the Lewiston Museum for $10. (All him in his carriage ride to Lockport. HistoricLewiston.org 716-754-4214 proceeds go to the monument fund.) www.DanceWithSerge.com