Georgia Society Sons of the American Revolution
(Photo by Ms. Barbara Henderson- Sept 2012)
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.