Sarah Louise Lane Powell wore this gown to a ball held in Shelbyville in honor of General Lafayette in May 1825 during his tour of central Kentucky. Donated by Frances Dale Cottongim. KHS Collections.
By a resolution approved, November 17, 1824, the Kentucky General Assembly issued an invitation to “General La Fayette” to visit Kentucky. To “defray expenses of his reception,” they authorized the governor “to draw upon the Treasurer for any sum which shall be necessary for that purpose.” Serving as a symbol for liberty and independence due to his assistance during the American Revolution, Lafayette was accorded a hero’s welcome at a dinner and ball in Frankfort on May 14, 1825.
Sarah Louise Lane Powell wore this gown to a ball held in Shelbyville in honor of General Lafayette in May 1825 during his tour of central Kentucky. Donated by Frances Dale Cottongim. KHS Collections.
