Lafayette was escorted from the Clarendon Bridge to the Town House, which stood at this site. A spacious stage had been erected in front of the Town House. The various military units formed lines on each side of the street, and Lafayette's carriage passed between them amidst the discharge of artillery, to the east door of the Town House. Here Lafayette was welcomed on behalf of the citizens of Fayetteville by Judge John D. Toomer. At the completion of Judge Toomer's remarks, Lafayette addressed the citizens of Fayetteville. This was an appropriate site to receive Lafayette, for in 1789, within the walls of the Town House (then known as the State House) North Carolina had ratified the Constitution of the United States. From the Town House Lafayette was escorted to his place of lodging at the State Banking House.
In Commemoration Lafayette's 250th Birthday
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"We shall come up slowly and painfully perhaps, be we shall win our way."
Charles Waddell Chestnutt (1858-1932)
In memory and honor of those indomitable people who were stripped of their dignity when sold as slaves at this place. Their courage in that time is a proud heritage of all times. They endured the past so the future could be won for freedom and justice. Their suffering and shame afforded the opportunity for future generations to be responsible citizens, free to live, work, and worship in the pursuit of the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity.
City Council of Fayetteville 1989
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