Lafayette, Poe, and the Military

This bonus episode deals with some factors that encouraged Poe to become fascinated with the military - especially in the person of General Lafayette.  This episode deals with Lafayette’s background in France and time in the United States and his essential role in the American Revolution.  His role in helping the United States become an independent nation led to him becoming a hero in the United States, and fifty years later he was invited back to the United States.It was during this time that the young Edgar Poe served with the a Junior Volunteer Rifleman group that greeted Lafayette on his visit to Richmond.

00:00 Introduction02:14 Lafayette in France05:01 Lafayette decides to help the United States?06:33 Lafayette in America11:11 Lafayette is invited back to the United States14:28 Lafayette visits Baltimore17:15 Lafayette visits Virginia 20:20 Poe as Junior Volunteer Rifleman23:55 James and Lafayette25:07 Summary26:14 Future Episodes27:10  Sources28:36 Outro

What was Lafayette’s background like?How did Lafayette help the United States?How long did it take Lafayette’s ship to reach the United States?Why was Lafayette first viewed with suspicion?Why was Lafayette invited back to the United States?What was the young Poe’s military connection to Lafayette?What did Lafayette do when he saw James in the parade through Richmond?  Why was it unusual?