Honoring Spain’s Aid in the American Revolution A Veteran’s Day event

While the 13 rebellious colonies continue to claim historical headlines for their uprising against Great Britain, they couldn’t have done it alone. On Sunday, Nov. 13, at 2 pm, the History Museum will honor the Spanish soldiers of the Santa Fe Presidio who helped the American colonies win their independence.

The Santa Fe Chapter of the New Mexico Society of the Sons of the American Revolution will unveil a new plaque for the Palace of the Governors commemorating those soldiers’ contributions. And former Palace of the Governors Director Tom Chavez will speak on “Spain’s Aid in the Independence of the United States.”

Spanish dignitaries have been invited to join this Veteran’s Day event, which will be followed by a reception.

The international foment of the late 18th century pitting Britain against Spain in Europe, also made its way across the ocean and up El Camino Real. As early as 1776, Spain covertly supported the colonies with money, supplies and logistical aid. After trying to negotiate a peace that included colonial independence, Spain declared war on Great Britain in 1779, and its soldiers and sailors became involved in that effort through 1783. With the additional help of France, Spain and the colonies turned the tide of the war.

By virtue of their service to the Spanish army, the soldiers of the Santa Fe Presidio (anchored by the Palace of the Governors) helped achieve that priority. Descendants of those soldiers still live in Santa Fe and across New Mexico. With help from the Sons of the American Revolution, genealogist Henrietta Christmas has compiled a list of those soldiers on behalf of the museum.

Members of the Sons of the American Revolution in period garb will participate in the event, which is free and open to the public.