Painting of Bernardo de Gálvez and his officers gathered around a large table during a war council (Junta de Guerra) in July 1779. Gálvez, in a red and gold uniform, stands at the center directing discussion as maps are spread before them.
Junta de Guerra of Bernado de Gálvez, July 13, 1779,
Mitchell Nolte, Courtesy of THGC Publishing.
Spanish Officer's Pistol
Spanish officer's pistol
Printed royal decree issued in Madrid in 1779 by King Carlos III of Spain declaring war on Great Britain. The document is headed Real Cédula de S.M. and bears the royal coat of arms with crown.
Real Cédula. In 1779, Spain issued a real cédula or royal decree officially declaring war against Great Britain.
Painting of two Black soldiers in a forest during the American Revolution. The figure in front wears a blue and red Spanish military coat with tall boots and carries a musket, while the man behind him, in a wide-brimmed straw hat and simple shirt, also carries a musket. They move cautiously through shallow water in a wooded landscape.
Gálvez specifically requested free and enslaved Black sharp shooters or tireurs on chasseur to accompany him during the Mississippi River Campaign. Courtesy of THGC Publishing.
Silver Indian Peace Medal of King Carlos III of Spain, showing a right-facing profile bust of the monarch in armor with a powdered wig. Inscription around the edge reads “CARLOS III REY DE ESP EMP DE LAS INDIAS.
Carlos III Indian Peace Medal
Color painting of the 1779 Siege of Baton Rouge, showing Spanish troops operating large cannons against the British fort. Smoke rises from the battlefield as soldiers in blue and red uniforms engage in combat.
Siege of British Fort New Richmond at Baton Rouge, Mitchell Nolte. Courtesy of THGC Publishing. (detail)

Gálvez and Louisiana in the American Revolution

The Cabildo
Sun, March 08, 2026 - Sat, May 15, 2027

As the nation prepares to mark America 250, the Louisiana State Museum presents Gálvez and Louisiana in the American Revolutions, a landmark exhibition exploring the life and legacy of Spanish Governor Bernardo de Gálvez and the diverse people of Louisiana who fought for American independence.

From Acadian exiles and free Black militiamen to Indigenous leaders and Canary Island settlers, Gálvez marshaled a multicultural army that helped secure the Gulf Coast against British forces and shaped the outcome of the American Revolution. Rare artifacts, immersive media, and personal stories will illuminate how New Orleans became a critical hub of strategy, supplies, and diplomacy during the fight for liberty.

This exhibition offers visitors a powerful opportunity to see the American Revolution through a local, inclusive lens—recognizing Louisiana’s essential role in the nation’s founding story.

 

A formal Spanish-colonial–themed invitation with an ornate brown border and crest at the top. The text reads: “Louisiana Museum Foundation requests the pleasure of your company at a Spanish Gala honoring Spanish Louisiana and Bernardo de Gálvez, celebrating the opening of the new Louisiana State Museum exhibition Gálvez and Louisiana in the American Revolution, presented in commemoration of America 250.” A detailed line illustration of the Cabildo appears in the center. Below it: “The Cabildo, Saturday, March 7, 2026 • 7pm. Formal attire inspired by 18th-century Spanish Colonial Louisiana. Historical costume welcomed, black-tie preferred.” Logos for the Louisiana State Museum, the Office of the Lieutenant Governor, and Louisiana America 250 appear at the bottom.

 

 

Join the Louisiana Museum Foundation on Saturday, March 8, 2026, at 7 p.m. for an elegant evening at the historic Cabildo as we celebrate Louisiana’s pivotal role in the American Revolution and honor the enduring legacy of General Bernardo de Gálvez. This Spanish Gala supports the upcoming exhibition Gálvez and Louisiana in the American Revolution, opening to the public on March 9, 2026, at the Cabildo in partnership with Louisiana State Museum and in celebration of America250. Guests will enjoy an immersive night inspired by 18th-century Spanish Louisiana, including live entertainment, curated cocktails and cuisine, and opportunities to explore the stories of the diverse people who shaped Louisiana’s fight for American independence. Reserve your tickets today!

 

 

Patrick F. Taylor Foundation logo featuring a large stylized letter ‘T’ topped with a graduation cap, shown in navy blue, with the foundation’s name in serif text to the right.

 

 

Logo for the National Endowment for the Humanites.

 

 

Gold Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities logo showing a stylized owl face made from geometric shapes, with the organization’s name in uppercase letters to the right.

 

Louisiana Museum Foundation wordmark in a stylized, serif typeface, with the words arranged in three stacked lines.

 

 

Friends of the Cabildo logo featuring a line-art illustration of the Cabildo’s distinctive cupola with decorative railings, above the organization’s name in serif lettering

 

https://america250la.org/

 

America 250 Logo

 

 

 

Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this exhibition do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities.