Monthly Archives: May 2025

Returning from the vibrant city of Madrid, I am still deeply moved by the profound experience of participating in the second edition of the Hispano-American Conference, “A Shared Future.” To stand in the esteemed Rafael del Pino Auditorium, a venue known for hosting insightful dialogues, and contribute to a discussion of such historical significance was an immense honor. As a Past President of the Button Gwinnett Chapter of the Georgia Society, Sons of the American Revolution, and the first African American member of the Georgia Society SAR, my presence on this international stage felt particularly poignant.

The conference, expertly organized by López-li Films, the Unidos por la Historia Association, and the Rafael del Pino Foundation, in collaboration with the International University of La Rioja, served as a powerful platform to explore the intricate and often overlooked connections between Spain and the Americas. The theme, “A Shared Future,” resonated deeply, prompting a vital re-examination of our collective past and its implications for our present and future relationships.

My participation centered on a panel discussion titled “Highlighting Hispanic Identities – Louisiana, Texas, and California.” It was a privilege to share a unique perspective rooted in my family’s history. This narrative intricately weaves together the threads of Spanish colonial Louisiana, the institution of slavery, and the burgeoning fight for American independence.

I recounted the remarkable story of my enslaved ancestor, Agnes, born in French Louisiana around 1759. Her journey toward freedom took a significant turn with the arrival of Spanish rule. My research unveiled the crucial role played by my fourth great-grandfather, Mathieu Devaux dit Platillo, a French national who pledged allegiance to Spain in 1769. Serving in the New Orleans Militia under the command of the dynamic Spanish Colonial Louisiana Governor, Bernardo de Gálvez, Mathieu Devaux was positioned to witness and potentially influence the events unfolding around him.

The true significance of this historical intersection lies in the manumission document that ultimately granted Agnes her freedom on December 16, 1779. This document bears the signature of Bernardo de Gálvez. To hold in my hands the tangible proof of my ancestor’s liberation, signed by a figure so instrumental in Spain’s support of the American Revolution, is an experience that defies adequate description.

Bernardo de Gálvez’s contributions to the American cause are often understated in mainstream narratives. His military campaigns in Spanish Colonial Louisiana, including the capture of Baton Rouge on Sept 21, 1779, just months before Agnes’s manumission, were crucial in diverting British resources and securing vital territory for the American Patriots. His leadership and the bravery of his forces, which included individuals like my ancestor Mathieu Devaux, directly aided the patriots in their fight for independence.

Sharing Agnes’s story at this conference in Madrid felt like bringing a hidden chapter of history to light. It underscored the complex tapestry of identities and experiences that shaped the Americas. It highlighted the agency of enslaved individuals, the interconnectedness of European powers in the colonial landscape, and the often-unacknowledged contributions of Spanish colonial figures to the very foundation of the United States.

The invitation to participate in this conference was an incredible honor. It signified a recognition of the importance of diverse voices and perspectives in understanding our shared history. To engage with scholars, historians, and individuals passionate about these transatlantic connections in such a prestigious setting was humbling and inspiring. The insightful questions and engaging discussions that followed my presentation reinforced the vital need for continued dialogue and exploration of these historical narratives.

I believe this conference holds significant implications for Spain’s ongoing efforts to accurately and comprehensively tell its story regarding its role in the founding and development of the Americas, particularly as we approach the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 2026. By embracing the multifaceted narratives that emerged from, its colonial past, including the stories of enslaved individuals and the contributions of figures like Bernardo de Gálvez, Spain can offer a richer and more nuanced understanding of this pivotal historical period.

The “Shared Future” envisioned by the conference organizers necessitates a thorough and honest reckoning with our shared past. By acknowledging the complexities, the triumphs, and the injustices of this history, we can foster stronger and more informed relationships moving forward. The stories of individuals like Agnes and the actions of figures like Bernardo de Gálvez offer invaluable insights into the intricate web of historical forces that shaped the Americas.

My participation in the Hispano-American Conference in Madrid was more than just a presentation; it was a deeply personal journey of connecting with my ancestry on an international stage. It was an opportunity to contribute to a vital dialogue about our shared history and its enduring relevance. I am hopeful that the conversations sparked in Madrid will continue to resonate, paving the way for a more complete and inclusive understanding of the intertwined histories of Spain and the Americas as we look towards the significant commemoration of 2026. 

The future, indeed, is shared, and it is enriched by a deeper understanding of our collective past.

As the United States approaches the semiquincentennial of its Declaration of Independence in 2026, a moment ripe for reflection on the nation’s origins and the diverse tapestry of individuals who contributed to its birth, the absence of Bernardo de Gálvez’s statue from its prominent location at the foot of Canal Street in New Orleans becomes particularly poignant. This is not merely about a missing piece of public art; it speaks to the vital role memorial statues play in connecting people, place, and pivotal historical events, ensuring that the stories of those who shaped our present are not forgotten. See here an older blog post titled, UNVEILING OF NEW HISTORICAL MARKER – BERNARDO DE GALVEZ, 27 Sept 2012

This memorial statue was more than just bronze or stone figures; it was also a tangible link to our past, erected to serve a multitude of interconnected purposes. Firstly, they act as commemorative anchors, physically marking sites associated with significant individuals or events. The statue, a gift from the Kingdom of Spain in 1977, and its placement in New Orleans, acknowledged the deep historical ties between Spanish Louisiana and the American Revolution. It served as a visual reminder of Spain’s crucial support for the Patriot cause, a contribution often overshadowed in the traditional narrative of the war.

Secondly, the Gálvez monument functioned as an educational tool, offering a readily accessible point of engagement with history for residents and visitors alike. A passerby encountering Gálvez’s likeness might be prompted to inquire about his significance, leading to a deeper understanding of the complex international dynamics that underpinned the American fight for independence. The story of Gálvez, a Spanish governor who strategically utilized his forces to weaken British control in the Gulf Coast, directly aided the Continental Army by diverting crucial resources and preventing the British from flanking the newly formed nation from the south. His victories at Baton Rouge (1779), Mobile (1780), and Pensacola (1781) were not isolated incidents but integral components of the broader struggle for American liberty.

Furthermore, the Gálvez statue served as a symbol of shared identity and values. By honoring Gálvez — a figure who commanded a diverse military force of Spanish regulars, local militias (including French, German, French Canadian, Acadians, Canary Islanders, and even individuals of Black creoles, both free and enslaved), Cubans, and allied Native American tribes — the city of New Orleans acknowledged the multifaceted nature of its history and the intertwined destinies of various cultural groups in the fight for a revolutionary ideal. The presence of his statue fostered a sense of connection to this shared past, highlighting the contributions of a broader spectrum of people to the shaping of the region and, by extension, the fledgling United States.

The act of re-erecting this statue is also a powerful expression of gratitude. It publicly acknowledges the service and sacrifices made by individuals who often operated outside the immediate purview of the thirteen colonies. Gálvez’s leadership and the resources of Spanish Louisiana were vital to the American cause, yet their contributions are frequently relegated to footnotes in mainstream historical accounts. The statue served as a long-overdue testament to this crucial support, ensuring that Galvez’s efforts would not be erased from collective memory.

The removal of Gálvez’s statue in 2018 for a commercial development and its subsequent failure to be reinstated by the promised date of 2020 raises critical questions about the value we place on preserving our historical narratives within the urban landscape. While progress and development are inevitable, they should not come at the cost of erasing tangible links to our past. The absence of Gálvez’s statue diminishes the city’s ability to tell a more complete and nuanced story of its history and significant connection to the American Revolution.

As the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence approaches, the need to accurately represent the diverse contributions to this pivotal moment in American history becomes even more pressing. Ignoring or downplaying the role of international allies like Spain and figures like Gálvez creates an incomplete and potentially misleading understanding of the nation’s founding. His story, intertwined with that of my ancestor Agnes and my documented American Revolutionary War patriot ancestor, Mathieu Devaux dit Platillo, underscores the complex web of alliances and individual actions that ultimately led to American independence. For descendants like myself — who proudly acknowledge the diversity of our Louisiana ancestry — the statue serves as a tangible link to our family history and the broader narrative of the American Revolution. Learn more about the story of my ancestors and their involvement with the Spanish Colonial Louisiana Governor, Bernardo de Galvez, in the Galvez Papers.

The presence of Gálvez’s statue is not merely about honoring a foreign dignitary; it is about acknowledging the interconnectedness of historical events and the diverse populations who participated in them. It symbolized the unexpected alliances and the shared pursuit of liberty that transcended national borders and social hierarchies. The fact that Gálvez, a representative of a European power, serving as Governor of Spanish Colonial Louisiana (1777-1785), played a role in the freedom of an enslaved African in Louisiana speaks volumes about the fluidity and complexity of the era.

To re-erect the statue of Bernardo de Gálvez in a prominent location in New Orleans is not simply a matter of fulfilling a past promise. It is an opportunity to reaffirm the city’s commitment to preserving its rich and multifaceted history. It is a chance to educate future generations about Spanish Louisiana’s crucial role in the American Revolution and honor the diverse individuals who contributed to that struggle.

As the nation prepares to commemorate its 250th anniversary, the presence of this monument would serve as a powerful reminder that the fight for American independence was a collaborative effort, involving people from various backgrounds and nations, all striving for a shared ideal of liberty.