Remembering Lafayette

American liberty is what the Fourth of July is all about, and Selmians will never forget the help from the Marquis de Lafayette. The Frenchman joined America's fight for independence and did much to strengthen its friendship with France. He spent more than $200,000 of his fortune to help the colonies. This plaque on Water Avenue commemorates Lafayette's American tour in 1825 when he was welcomed with a "frenzy" that today is reserved for rock and movie stars. His steamboat stopped briefly in Selma where one history books notes he was treated to lunch at Woodall's Hotel, then continued to the state capital of Cahaba where he was feted with a grand banquet.