The British will surrender this Sunday. Re-enacting the 1779 Marche de Galvez, Baton Rougeans will march down Third Street to defeat the British enemy, commemorating colonial governor of Spanish Louisiana Bernardo de Galvez’s capture of the British fort of Baton Rouge.
Marche de Galvez, hosted by the East Baton Rouge Public Library, is one of many bicentennial events held this year.
The fort was located near where the Capitol Park Welcome Center is today. Once Sunday’s march reaches the welcome center, Galvez, portrayed in full costume by Christopher Achee, will accept the defeat of British Lt. Colonel Dixon, played by Clayton Achee.
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In 1779, King Charles III of Spain, supporting the American Revolution, declared war on England and directed all of his colonial subjects to engage in hostilities with the British. Galvez took the fort of Baton Rouge while on his way to take British West Florida.
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Special guests will include Mayor Sharon Weston Broome, Canary Islanders Heritage Society of Louisiana, chapters of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Sons of the American Revolution’s Color Guard and Artillery Unit, BRPD’s Mounted Patrol Unit and Southern University’s “The Human Jukebox” marching band.
This free event will also include music, games, bicentennial birthday cake and a special bicentennial announcement from the Coca-Cola Bottling Company. Colonial/militia attire is encouraged.
Marche de Galvez will be held Sunday, Sept. 24 from 2-4 p.m. The march will begin at Galvez Plaza, located at 200 North Blvd. #238.