American History in France

It is always facinating to learn a little about the history of people and places here in Europe.  It is particularly interesting when that history is apart of American history.   There is a group called the Cercle D'etude et d'amitie France-USA that host various events in and around Clermont to promote French-American relationships.  The president of this group is a history buff and began researching connections between the US and people in this region, Auvergne, France, years ago.  He created an interactive map on interesting sites in Auvergne that relate to American history called "American spots."  About two weeks ago we attended a picnic hosted by the Cercle that was held at one of those spots, Chateau Dauphin.

Chateau Dauphin

The Chateau Dauphin is a medieval chateau constructed in the 12th century by Robert Dauphin, Count of Auvergne and completed in the 15th century.  The main structure has been renovated and is currently occupied by Count and Countess Gabriel de Germiny, descendants of the Moré de Pontgibaud family who have owned the chateau since 1756. 

The US-France relationship is that in 1777, the chevalier of Pontgibaud and owner of Chateau Dauphin, became a French volunteer of the war of American independence with General Lafayette.  He along with several others left France to fight alongside Americans in our war.  After the war, the chevalier was made a member of the Society of Cincinnati.  The orginal members were those officers, American and French that served in the war.  Today the members have to be direct descendants of the original members.  As a member of the Society, the Count has on display in the chateau the original membership certificate for the Society of Cincinnati signed by President George Washington.

Order of Cincinnati signed by President G. Washington

Here are a few pics from the day:

Center photo:  B. Caillot, president of the Cercle with Count Germiny

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!!!.