Near this site in 1779, under the leadership of Governor Bernard de Galvez and his aid Oliver Pollock, Spanish regulars, Americans and Louisiana militiamen marched from New Orleans to Baton Rouge to engage the British forces at Fort New Richmond. Their victory destroyed the British hopes of capturing New Orleans and controlling the Mississippi River.
These passages are incorporated into the sculpture:
"What mortal God comes here in His rage, to trouble the peace of my happy banks... To follow me, you left your fields, your loving children and faithful wives...Brave warriors, companions of my glory, it was with your hands, today, that I won my victory."
"The capture of the bluff at Baton Rouge by his Lordship Galvez,"
Julien Poydras, 1779
Speaking of the Battle of Baton Rouge, Bernardo deGalvez bids farewell to the people at the end of his term of office:
"It will always be an incontestable proof of your love for me and a public testimony of my good conduct towards you."
Bernardo de Galvez, 1783
The bronze relief is by Frank Hayden
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