With support from the University of Richmond

History News Network

History News Network puts current events into historical perspective. Subscribe to our newsletter for new perspectives on the ways history continues to resonate in the present. Explore our archive of thousands of original op-eds and curated stories from around the web. Join us to learn more about the past, now.

Monument to Haitian in Revolutionary War unveiled (Georgia)

After 230 years as largely unsung contributors to American independence, Haitian soldiers who fought in the Revolutionary War’s bloody siege of Savannah have a monument dedicated in their honor.


The six bronze figures standing atop a granite base, in downtown Savannah, Ga., represent more than 500 free black volunteers from Haiti who fought for American independence in the revolutionary war battle of Savannah.

“Maybe it was their first fight. Maybe it was many fights later, but I had to put myself in the position of being a fighter. Whether holding that musket or what kind of emotions they were experiencing. So that’s what I try to capture in their faces,” said sculptor James Mastin, as the monument was officially unveiled over the weekend.

“I’m very proud of my country, and I’m very proud to be Haitian; and, I want all Haitians to be proud of themselves,” said Daniel Fils-Aime, chairman of the Miami-based Haitian American Historical Society. “We have a lot of history.

“This is a testimony to tell people we Haitians didn’t come from the boat,” he added. “We were here in 1779 to help America win independence. That recognition is overdue.”
Read entire article at Caribbean Life