Chapter's America 250 Quilt Square chosen to represent Louisiana

Our chapter's entry in the national DAR-sponsored America 250! Quilt Project was chosen to represent the state of Louisiana for the national quilt that will be on display during the 250th year celebration.  Analysis of our square was written by member Margaret Michel Rivoire. 

We created our design as a way to teach about the role the Spanish Colony of Louisiana played in the American Revolution. The quilt’s background is an outline map of Louisiana as it is today. The Mississippi River is depicted to highlight the important r
ole it played as a “back door” to the American Colonies. The British were establishing forts on the banks of the Mississippi to provide supplies and munitions to their troops. These were shipped upriver to the Ohio and lesser tributaries of the Mississippi. The image of Governor Bernardo de Galvez gives credit to his leadership at the Battle of Baton Rouge. In 1779 Galvez and his army laid siege to the British fort in Baton Rouge and forced the British to surrender. British forts upriver either surrendered or were deserted. The Mississippi River was then used by the Spanish Colony in Louisiana to send supplies and munitions to the American colonists. Our theme, “Strength in Diversity,” honors the diverse people who served under Galvez. • The castle represents the Spanish, the Regulars and the Mercenaries. • The Fleur de Lis represents the French militia who came from villages in the area to fight with Galvez. • The Red Banner represents the Native Americans who also served with Galvez in the Battle of Baton Rouge. • The Star represents the British Fort of Baton Rouge and its Garrison. Louisiana citizens took an active part in the birth of the New Nation and were honored to join the Union in 1812.