Para leer este artículo en español, clic >> ¡Qué Regrese Bernardo!

A few years ago, a Bernardo de Gálvez statue went missing from Canal Street’s landscape. 

Donated by the Government of Spain, the Bernardo de Gálvez Monument was erected in 1977 to commemorate the bicentennial year of the independence of the United States to which the Spanish Governor so decisively contributed.

When work began to convert the World Trade Center Building (“WTC”) into a hotel and residences, the Four Seasons Group committed to protecting the statue by removing it during the construction phase and refurbishing it in preparation for its return to its historical site, guarding the river.

The Gálvez statue is particularly significant to members of the local Hispanic community and all lovers of New Orleans’ rich history.

Bernardo de Gálvez, a Spanish military leader and colonial administrator, played a pivotal role in the American Revolutionary War. Serving as the Governor of Louisiana, Gálvez secured vital support for the American colonies, contributing significantly to their fight for independence. Gálvez’s strategic brilliance and unwavering commitment earned him the “Hero of the American Revolution” title.

In 1777, Gálvez, at 30, became the fifth governor of the Louisiana Territory during the Spanish governance period.

His career was propelled by his father, a general in Central America, and his uncle, a royal minister under Carlos III. The young governor promptly endeared himself to the local colony by marrying Marie Felicité de Saint-Maxent d’Estrehan, a Creole beauty.

Because of his outstanding contributions to our region, concerned residents want to bring Bernardo back and raise the funds necessary to re-erect and relocate the Gálvez Monument on an enhanced pedestal, which the new restoration design recommends and the monument deserves.

Help us bring the Gálvez monument back and ensure its significance endures for generations to come. Your support will help us honor our past, celebrate our present, and shape our future.

Here are the ways you can help:

- Talk to your friends about the monument’s significance

- Get involved. Contact the DAMAS Y CABALLEROS DE NUEVA ORLEANS via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

- Donate: 

Bank Account Gulf Coast Bank

Routing: 265070435

Account: 101473445

Online: Venmo: @hamaca

Paypal: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

- Fundraising Events: Stay tuned for upcoming exciting fundraising events! 

Check bringbernardoback.org for updates and information.

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Don Bernardo de Gálvez y Madrid

- Fifth Governor of Spanish Louisiana (1777-1783).

- Drove the British from the Mississippi River and the Gulf of Mexico, keeping vital supply lines open during the American War of Independence. 

- Gave Louisiana its first military glory.

- Allowed to add the “I Alone” (“Yo Solo”) to his Coat of Arms by King Charles III. 

- Positioned New Orleans as the Gateway to the Americas.

- Promoted to Viceroy of New Spain (Mexico and Central America)

- Named one of only eight persons awarded Honorary Citizenship of the United States, joining singular figures such as Winston Churchill and Mother Teresa.