(upbeat music) [Narrator] Post-Revolution, George Washington's former aide and America's most prominent foreign dignitary, visited Alabama in 1825 to introduce a new generation to the spirit of 1776 for the nation's 50th anniversary, the last surviving general of the Revolutionary War, Marquis de Lafayette, toured all 24 states.

He arrived at the Fort Mitchell crossing of the Chattahoochee River.

100 creek horsemen escorted him through creek territory, and the state honored him in each major city.

Alabamians traveled hundreds of miles to Montgomery, Selma, Cahaba, Claiborne, and Mobile to see him, including Revolutionary War veterans.

From marching bands to balls, Alabama ensured he received warm welcomes and fanfare at each stop.

But this extravagance was a severe financial burden for the young state, totaling well over the cost of even the state capitol building.