Monument to West Florida Republic to be Unveiled

Compatriots,

The "five-pointed star" mentioned in the article was a white star on a blue field. This flag is better know today as the "Bonnie Blue Flag" - it began as the flag of the West Florida Republic. A variant of this flag was also used in Texas' war for independence from Mexico.

The West Florida Republic was that part of Louisiana east of the Mississippi River, west and south of the Mississippi Territory and north of New Orleans - today called the Florida Parishes of Louisiana.

Chuck Rand
AIC


West Florida Monument to be Unveiled Saturday
3/16/2011

ST. FRANCISVILLE, La. (AP) — Lt. Gov. Jay Dardenne is expected to unveil a new monument to the West Florida Rebellion of 1810 in a program Saturday on the grounds of the West Feliciana Parish courthouse. David Norwood, chairman of the parish's Bicentennial Committee, tells The Advocate that the program will serve as the closing ceremony for the Republic of West Florida Bicentennial.

The 800-pound granite monument has been placed in a small St. Francisville park and is topped with the five-pointed star featured on the republic's flag.

The republic was established in 1810 with the West Florida citizens' capture of Fort San Carlos at Baton Rouge, ending Spanish rule in the area. The republic existed until its annexation by the United States as part of the Louisiana Territory.

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