Why were so many American cities named after the Marquis de Lafayette?

The prevalence of American cities named after the Marquis de Lafayette is primarily attributed to his celebrated return to the United States in 1824.

During this tour, which was undertaken at the invitation of President James Monroe, Lafayette was received with immense public adulation across the country. As a key figure in the American Revolution and a close friend of George Washington, he was already a revered historical figure. The patriotic enthusiasm generated by his visit—during which he became the first foreign citizen to address the U.S. House of Representatives—inspired citizens and local leaders to name dozens of cities in his honor.12