|
| Add Photo — Add Link — Add Commentary — Correct this page — Print | | Savannah in Chatham County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic) |
|
Haitian Monument
|
| | | | 
By Mike Stroud, August 30, 2009 | |
| | | 1. Haitian Monument Marker, north face | | Sculptor James Mastin, October 9-11,2009, second anniversary of the monument, final 2 new figures to be added | | |
Inscription. (West face)
In its fourth year, the American Revolution had become an international conflict. Rebelling American Colonies and their
French allies attempted to capture Savannah from the British in 1779. Haitian soldiers of African descent were part of the
allied forces. Following the battle, many of these Haitians were diverted to other military duties, returning to their homes
years later, if at all. Several veterans of the campaign became leaders of the movement that made Haiti the second nation in
the Western Hemispere to throw off the yoke of European colonialism.
(Southwest face)
Although hundreds of other "Chasseurs Volontaires" remain anonymous today, a number of them are documented and listed
below.
Pierre Astrel; Louis Jacques Beavais; Jean-Baptiste Mars Belley; Martial Besse; Guillaume Bleck; Pierre Cange;
Jean- Baptiste Chavannes; Henri Christophe; Pierre Faubert; Laurent Férou; Jean-Louis Froumentaine; Barthélemy-Médor
Icard; Gédéon Jourdan; Jean-Pierre Lambert; Jean-Baptiste Léveillé Christophe Mornet; Pierre Obas; Luc-Vincent Oliver;
Pierre Pinchinat; Jean Piverger; Andre Riguad; Césaire Savary; Pierre Tessier; Jérome Thoby; Jean-Louis Villate
We
Honor All Of Their Collective Sacrifices, Known And Unknown.
(South | | | | | | 2. Haitian Monument Marker | | |
face)
Acknowledging the deeds of "Les Chasseurs Volontaires De Saint Domingue" at Savannah, American Secretary Of State
Cordell Hull dedicated a commemorative plaque on April 25, 1944, at the Cathedral in Saint Marc, Haiti, with these words:
" Nous Payons Aujourd 'Hui Tribut Au Courage Et à L'Espirit Des Volontaires Haitiens De 1779 Qui Risquèrent Leurs Vies Pour
La Cause De La Liberté Dans Les Amériques."
" Today we pay tribute to the courage and spirit of those Haitian
Volunteers who in 1779, risked their lives in the cause of American Liberty."
(Southeast face)
In the Battle of Savannah on October 9, 1779, "Les Chasseurs Volontaires De Saint Domingue," our forfathers, fought
alongside the American Army of General Benjamin Lincoln. Distinguishing themselves by their bravery, as part of the
reserve, they provided cover during the retreat of American and French Allies, saving many lives by deterring a fierce
counter attack of defending British troops.
(East face)
In the fall of 1779, over 500 "Chasseurs Volontaires" sailed from Saint Domingue, the modern island of Haiti. soldiers of
African descent, "Les Chasseurs Volontaires De Saint Domingue," left their families to participate in the Georgia Campaign,
under French commander Charles Henri d'Estaing.
(Northeast | | | | | | 3. Haitian Monument Marker | The City of Savannah honors the "Les Chasseurs Volontaires De Saint Domingue," who fought for American independence during the Seige of Savannah in 1779.
| | |
face)
The drummer represents young Henri Christophe, who participated in the October 9, 1779 Battle of Savannah. Christophe
later became a leader in the struggle for Haitian Independence from French colonial rule, ending in 1804. A commander of
the Haitian army, he became King of Haiti, being amoung the first heads of state of African descent in the Western
Hemisphere.
(North face)
The largest unit of soldiers of African descent who fought in the American Revolution was the brave "Les Chasseurs
Volontaires De Saint Domingue" from Haiti. This regiment consisted of free men who volunteered for a campaign to capture
Savannah from the British in 1779. Their sacrifice reminds us that men of African Descent were also present on many other
battlefields during the Revolution.
(Northwest face)
A Project of the Haitian American Historical Society, 2001- 2007:
Board of Directors
[ list of 13 members ]
Erected 2007 by Haitian American Historical Society.
Location. 32° 4.868′ N, 81° 5.752′ W. Marker is in Savannah, Georgia, in Chatham County. Marker is on Montgomery Street near West Julian Street, on the left when traveling north. Click for map. Located in Franklin Square. Marker is in this post office area: Savannah GA 31401, United States of America. | | | | 
By Mike Stroud, August 30, 2009 | |
| | | 4. Haitian Monument Marker west face | | |
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The First African Baptist Church (within shouting distance of this marker); John Ryan's Excelsior Bottle Works (about 400 feet away, in a direct line); Evacuation of Savannah (about 500 feet away); Flame of Freedom / Relighting the Flame (approx. 0.2 miles away); Telfair Family Mansion (approx. 0.2 miles away); Telfair Academy of Arts & Sciences (approx. 0.2 miles away); Ships That Carried the Name Savannah (approx. 0.2 miles away); Trinity Methodist Church (approx. 0.2 miles away). Click for a list of all markers in Savannah.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. More on the Battle of Savannah
Also see . . .
1. The Haitian American Historical Society. (Submitted on September 10, 2009, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.)
2. Haitian Monument Completed. WSAV News 3 Published: October 10, 2009 (Submitted on October 18, 2009, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.)
Additional keywords. Revolutionary War, Battle of Savannah, Haiti |
| | | | 
By Mike Stroud, August 30, 2009 | |
| | | 5. Haitian Monument Marker, southwest face | | |
| | | | | 
By Mike Stroud, August 30, 2009 | |
| | | 6. Haitian Monument Marker, south face | | |
| | | | | 
By Mike Stroud, August 30, 2009 | |
| | | 7. Haitian Monument Marker, southeast face | | |
| | | | | 
By Mike Stroud, August 30, 2009 | |
| | | 8. Haitian Monument Marker, east face | | |
| | | | | 
By Mike Stroud, August 30, 2009 | |
| | | 9. Haitian Monument Marker, northeast face | | |
| | | | | 
By Mike Stroud, August 30, 2009 | |
| | | 10. Haitian Monument Marker,north face | | |
| | | | | 
By Mike Stroud, August 30, 2009 | |
| | | 11. Haitian Monument Marker, northwest face | | |
| | | | | 
By Mike Stroud, August 30, 2009 | |
| | | 12. Haitian Monument , The drummer represents young Henri Christophe, | | |
| | | | | 
By Mike Stroud, August 30, 2009 | |
| | | 13. Haitian Monument detail | | |
| | | | | 
By Mike Stroud, August 30, 2009 | |
| | | 14. Haitian Monument | | |
| | | | | 
By Mike Stroud, October 18, 2009 | |
| | | 15. Haitian Monument the two new figures(10/09) at right complete the Monument | | |
| | | | | 
By Mike Stroud, October 18, 2009 | |
| | | 16. Haitian Monument completed look, October 9, 2009 | | |
|
| Credits. This page originally submitted on September 10, 2009, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 1,293 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14. submitted on September 10, 2009, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 15, 16. submitted on October 18, 2009, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page. | | Add Photo — Add Link — Add Commentary — Correct this page — Print |
|
Subscribe
— Privacy Policy
— Terms of Use
— About Us
— Contact Us
HMdb.org
