History Told in Savanna, Georgia
My Ancestor was at The Famous Battle of 1779
My wife Lily and I took our grandson Andre on a trip to the South and stopped in Savannah, Georgia. I wanted to visit Franklyn Square by the busy City Market to see the monument honoring the Chasseurs-Volontaires de Saint-Domingue.
The monument honors 500-800 free men of color—black and mulatto like me—who were soldiers from Saint-Domingue (now Haiti) and fought with American Revolutionaries. Legend says my ancestor, Jean-Baptiste Bayard, fought in that battle at 29, but no records remain since the list of men was lost.
As I reached Franklyn Square, I expected the monument to be tucked away in a small, hidden spot. But to my surprise and joy, it stood in a main square of Savannah. I was amazed by the monument and took many photos from different angles.
The bronze statue is impressive, and I read every word on its marble base.
I was also impressed by the tour guides who brought many tourists to the monument and clearly explained its history and importance to freedom in America.
So THANK YOU Savannah for preserving a slice of rich history and paying homage to my homeland and what I know is my ancestor, Jean-Baptiste.
