Today,
Lafayette welcomes visitors from his fountain perch at the town’s center, a
replica of the LaFayette statue located in LePuy, France. And visitors toss
coins into its water as part of a long-standing tradition.
According to town legend, Lafayette
told Col. Julius C. Alford that tossing coins into wells brought luck. Upon
leaving for the Creek Indian War of 1836, Alford tossed a coin into one of the
two LaGrange wells and said, “Here you go, Lafayette.” His men decided to do
the same.
Today, the custom continues but
with two coins, to double a person’s chances at luck, and within the Lafayette
fountain. Luck seekers stand with their backs to the Lafayette statue and toss
a coin over their shoulder and make a wish. Then they turn and face the Marquis
and toss the second coin while making another wish. If they so desire, they can
add a “Here you go, Lafayette” as well.
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| Explorations in Antiquity |
LaGrange and the homage to
Lafayette sits south of Atlanta on the road to Montgomery, Ala., a sweet collection
of charming historic buildings, downtown murals, the historic LaGrange College
and nearby West Point Lake.
The home and gardens at Hills &Dales estate is a must-see to any visit to the region, offering a tour of the
home and the 176-year-old gardens. The Italian villa on the 35-acre property
was built by textile magnate and philanthropist Fuller E. Callaway Sr.,
accenting gardens begun by Sarah Coleman Ferrell in 1841. Some of the estate’s
many features include a boxwood garden shaped with a “God is Love” message, a
greenhouse full of magnificent orchids and other flowers and ancient magnolias.
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| Hills & Dales |
For something truly unique,
LaGrange’s Explorations in Antiquity Center offers full-scale archaeological
replicas from biblical times, allowing visitors to walk through residences,
workplaces, houses of worship and even an authentic shepherd’s tent of the
Judeo-Christian times of the Middle East. There are catacombs to showcase
burial rituals, plus logged crucifixes from felled trees resembling what was
used at the time, as opposed to the lumber versions most of us see today. Visitors can watch docents weave on
looms and shepherds create butter and attend lectures and demonstrations.
If this interactive museum with its
special events and time travel experiences weren’t enough, Explorations also
serves an authentic biblical meal using recipes and traditions of the First
Century with a guide who explains the customs of the day as well as the
meanings behind Passover and the Last Supper. Visitors will enjoy foods such as
unleavened bread, olives, a salad comparable to a Greek salad and grilled
chicken and lamb, among other treats. Groups are needed to request such a meal,
so if you can arrange one or manage to join another do! It’s an excellent lesson
in history, religion, culture and fun.
