Equestrian statue of Bernardo de Gálvez facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bernardo de Gálvez |
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| Artist | Juan de Ávalos |
| Year | June 3, 1976 |
| Type | Bronze |
| Dimensions | 370 cm × 400 cm × 180 cm (144 in × 156 in × 72 in) |
| Location | Washington, D.C. |
| Owner | National Park Service |
The Bernardo de Gálvez statue is a bronze equestrian statue (a statue of a person on a horse). It honors Bernardo de Gálvez, 1st Viscount of Galveston, a Spanish hero. The famous Spanish artist Juan de Ávalos created this artwork.
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About the Bernardo de Gálvez Statue
A Special Gift from Spain
This statue is located in Washington, D.C., the capital city of the United States. It was officially revealed on June 3, 1976. This was just a little over a month before the Fourth of July.
The statue was a gift from Spain to the United States. It celebrated the U.S.A.'s Bicentennial in 1976. This event marked 200 years since the start of the American Revolution in 1776. The American Revolution was when the American colonies fought for their freedom.
Where to Find the Statue
You can find the Bernardo de Gálvez statue in a special area called the Statues of the Liberators. It is located at Virginia Avenue and 22nd Street, N.W. This spot is close to the United States Department of State building. It's in a part of Washington, D.C., called Foggy Bottom.
King Juan Carlos I of Spain officially dedicated the statue.
Who Was Bernardo de Gálvez?
The base of the statue has an inscription that tells us more about Bernardo de Gálvez. It says his full name was Bernardo de Gálvez, and he was also known as Count de Gálvez. He lived from 1746 to 1786.
The inscription explains that Bernardo de Gálvez was a great Spanish soldier. He led a brave military campaign in the lands near the lower Mississippi River. His clever military plan helped to reduce the pressure from the English during the American Revolutionary War. This war was when American settlers were fighting for their independence.
The statue serves as a reminder. It shows that Spain helped the American cause for independence. Spanish soldiers even gave their lives to support the Americans. The inscription includes parts of a speech given by King Juan Carlos I of Spain when the statue was dedicated on June 3, 1976.
The sculptor, Juan de Ávalos, was from Madrid, Spain.
