A Timeline for the Friend of American Freedom: Bernardo De Galvez
1746-07-23 06:55:30
The Birth of Bernardo
Bernardo de Gálvez was born on July 23, 1746, in Macharaviaya, a mountain village in the state of Málaga, Spain, as the son of Matías and Josepha.
1762-01-01 06:55:30
His Military Career
To follow his family tradition, Bernardo choose a military career. In 1762 he served as a lieutenant in a war with Portugal, after which he was promoted to captain in the Regiment of La Coruña.
1762-01-01 20:33:58
Paso de Gálvez
The name Paso de Gálvez was given to a crossing on the Pecos River where Bernardo De Gálvez led his troops to victory in a fight with the Apaches.
1772-01-01 18:08:15
Galvez Returns To Spain
In 1772, Bernardo returned to Spain, but then spent the next 3 years in France. There he enrolled in the Regiment of Cantabria to excell himself in Military Science and to learn the French launguage and culture.
1775-06-01 08:31:59
Regiment of Seville
In 1775, he returned to Spain. He was then assigned to the Regiment of Seville as captain of the infantry under Alejandro O'Reilly. After participating in a failed attack against the Algiers, Bernardo suffered a wound.
1776-01-01 16:34:35
The Province of Louisiana
In 1776 he was transferred to the Province of Louisiana and was promoted to colonel of the Louisiana Regiment.
1777-01-01 22:43:43
Governer of Louisiana
On January 1, 1777, Bernardo becomes governer of Louisiana.
1778-01-01 00:46:48
San Bernardo
In 1778, San Bernardo, a Taovayan village on the Red River, was named in honor of Bernardo de Galvez, who was then the Governer of Louisiana.
1779-01-01 18:59:12
Galvez Needs Food
While campaining against the British, Galvez becomes in need of food for his soldiers. He sends an emissary, Francisco García, with a letter to Texas governor, requesting that Texas cattle be brought to the Spanish forces in Louisiana. Between the years of 1779 and 1782, more than 10,000 cattle had been rounded up.
1779-06-21 18:59:12
Spain Declares War
On June 21, 1779, Spain declares war against Great Britian. King Carlos III appointed Galvez to take men and conduct a campaign against the British along the Mississippi River and the Gulf Coast.
1779-09-01 18:59:12
Manchac, Baton Rouge, and Natchez
During the Fall of 1779, because of the help from the Governer of Texas, Galvez and his 1,400 energetic men defeated the British in battles at Manchac, Baton Rouge, and Natchez.
1780-03-14 18:59:12
Fort Charlotte
On March 14, 1780, after a siege with land and sea forces for a month, Gálvez, with 2,000 and more men, captured the British stronghold of Fort Charlotte at Mobile.
1781-01-01 14:36:58
Attack on the British Capital
The peak point of the Gulf Coast Campaign, was when in 1781, Galvez directed a joint land-sea attack on Pensacola, the British capital of West Florida.
1781-05-10 14:36:58
Capture of Fort George
In March of 1781, Galvez commanded more than 7,000 men in the two-month siege of Fort George in Pensacola, until its capture on May 10, 1781.
1782-01-01 14:36:58
End of war
After the fighting was over, Galvez helped draft the terms of treaty that ended the war, and he was cited by the American Congress for his help during the conflict.
1782-05-08 14:36:58
British Naval Base
On May 8, 1782, Galvez and his Spanish forces captured the British naval base in the Bahamas. Bernardo was busy preparing for a grand campaign against Jamaica when peace negotiations ended the war.
1783-04-01 14:36:58
Galvez returns to spain
In April of 1783, Galvez, his wife, and his two infant children return to Spain
1784-10-01 14:36:58
Recalled to America
In October of 1784 he was recalled to America to serve as captain-general and governor of Cuba.
1784-11-03 14:36:58
The Death of Bernardo's Father
On November 3, 1784, Bernardo's father passes away.
1785-01-01 14:36:58
The New Viceroy of Spain
In order to succeed his father, Bernardo was appointed viceroy of New Spain early in 1785.
1785-11-30 00:46:48
Galveston
While Bernardo de Galvez was viceroy of Spain, he ordered for a survey of the Gulf Coast. His mapmaker then named the biggest bay on the Texas coast, Bahía de Galvezton. This name was later changed to Galveston.
1786-11-30 00:46:48
Bernardo Passes Away
Bernardo de Galvez dies of an illness on November 30, 1786. His body was buried in the wall of the Church of San Fernando. His heart was placed in an urn and reposed in the Cathedral of Mexico.
1786-12-12 00:46:48
Another child
On December 12, eight days after Bernardo's death, his wife gives birth to another child.
1976-06-03 08:53:41
An Excerpt from The Kings Speech
"Through the years, Hispanic American citizens have risen to the call of duty in defense of liberty and freedom. Their bravery is well known and has been demonstrated time and again, dating back to the aid rendered by General Bernardo de Galvez during the American Revolution".
1986-11-30 00:46:48
In Galvez's Honor
On November 30, 1986, a bronze plaque was placed on Galvez's crypt to honor the help of the great Spanish hero of the American Revolution.