Spanish Memorial Plaque

SPANISH MEMORIAL PLAQUE FORT GREENE PARK Who is this monument dedicated to? This plaque honors the 126 Hispanic soldiers who died in Brooklyn on prison ships during the American Revolution. Over 11,500 men and women died of overcrowding, contaminated water, starvation, and disease aboard 16 British prison ships in nearby Wallabout Bay. These brave patriots represented all 13 colonies and at least 13 different nationalities. Spain sent much-needed weapons, blankets, uniforms, and cash loans to George Washington's army. Thousands of Hispanic soldiers and sailors, born in both Europe and the Americas, gave their lives to help the birth of the new nation. The support of Spain and the Spanish-speaking world was an instrumental part of the United States' victory. This plaque honors the faithful soldiers who gave their lives for the cause and remembers the contribution of Spain to the Independence of the United States. How was it created? This restored plaque replaces the original, which was gifted by King Juan Carlos of Spain to Fort Greene Park in 1976 to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the United States' independence. The original plaque can be found in the park's visitor center. In 2021, Iberdrola, The Daughters of the American Revolution, the Government of Spain, and The Queen Sofía Spanish Institute collaborated to restore this plaque that remembers those who bravely gave their lives for the independence of the United States.