An Underappreciated Victory

Meet Author Steve Kling as he introduces his new book about the American War of Independence in the West. 

Bernardo de Gálvez’s Mississippi River Campaign Against the British in 1779

By Stephen L. Kling, Jr and Kristine L. Sjostrom

Gálvez’s Mississippi River campaign in 1779 during the American Revolutionary War is truly an unappreciated victory today. While brief, it was tremendously impactful. Not only did it secure the Spanish rear and permit the free flow of aid up the Mississippi River to the Americans, but it also paved the way for the Gulf of Mexico operations against Mobile and Pensacola. It has been largely overshadowed by the more spectacular sieges of Mobile and Pensacola where Gálvez had abundant military resources. However, considering the difficult circumstances and limited military resources for the Mississippi River campaign, it is much more impressive. Gálvez overcame terrain and weather difficulties, logistical challenges and British fortified positions, all with the knowledge that he had to strike swiftly and secretly before British superior forces converged on New Orleans. The almost negligible number of casualties weighed against the capture of several forts and posts and hundreds of prisoners in such a short period is as shocking today as it was to the British high command. Every military campaign needs a little luck, but Gálvez took a huge risk against considerable odds and ended victorious. The close examination of the campaign in this book reveals its brilliance.

CoSponsored by The Historical Game Company, Historic Florissant, The Florissant Valley Historical Society, The Old St. Ferdinand Shrine, The Florissant  DAR and Big Muddy Historical Gaming Alliance - St. Louis.