The informative exhibition Spaniards in the Birth of a Nation, organized by the Spanish Army, can be visited at the Parador de San Rafael in Málaga until April 30. The exhibition, which celebrates the 250th anniversary of United States independence, underscores Spain's significant contribution to the 13 British colonies of North America.

Among the protagonists of this feat are figures such as Bernardo de Gálvez, who expelled the English from the Gulf of Mexico, and Fernando de Leyba, defender of St. Louis. The exhibition also highlights the participation of freed black individuals in the defense of Fort Mose in Florida, as well as the brave action of Rafaela Herrera y Sotomayor in the Captaincy General of Guatemala.

Lieutenant Colonel José Antonio Cuevas Fernández, curator of the exhibition, explained that the choice of Málaga as the starting point is due to the relevance of the Gálvez family, originally from the province. The exhibition includes panels dedicated to José, Matías, and Bernardo de Gálvez, as well as to Luis de Unzaga, a native of Málaga and governor of Louisiana.

The main objective is to foster interest in History and demonstrate that, although France has traditionally been considered the main ally of the United States, Spain provided crucial support in the form of money, weaponry, campaign material, and soldiers, in addition to carrying out successful military operations in Spanish America.

The exhibition also dedicates space to “inner history,” highlighting the role of women, indigenous people, and freed black individuals in the conflict. It mentions the case of the five Saint Maxent sisters from New Orleans, who married influential Spaniards such as Luis de Unzaga and Bernardo de Gálvez. The exhibition is complemented by explanatory videos, Playmobil figures, period costumes, and objects related to the American War of Independence.