HERNANDO DE SOTO, BERNARDO DE GALVEZ, ALFONSO X (EL SABIO), AND ISABEL LA CATOLICA
Mobile's Spanish Plaza Park, an unexpected gem
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By Miguel Pérez
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On the monument walls here, you see words that you may not expect to read in Alabama. After all, the Hispanic population is not so big here. On the promenades, you visit the monuments of prominent Spanish figures you may not expect to see here. You are in Mobile's Spanish Plaza Park and "our Spanish heritage" comes calling.
"In the iridescent fabric of our heritage, the threads of Spain are woven strong and bright," says a plaque titled "Our Spanish Heritage," on a brick wall, next to a marble coat of arms of Spain. During the American Revolution, when Spain fought the British in defense of the 13 American colonies, Spanish forces captured Mobile and retained control of the city for 33 years, from 1780 to 1813. This downtown park, opened in 1969, honors that "Spanish period." |
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It also recognizes that Spain first came to the shores of Alabama with the Alonso Álvarez de Piñeda expedition in 1519. "Her maps gave first to the world knowledge of our lands," a plaque explains. "Returning in 1780, she conquered, and wise and benign, ruled for 33 years this city, whose citizens first received the land upon which this Plaza stands."
This park is a truly impressive tribute to Spain. It features a centerpiece fountain surrounded by "Friendship Arches" and 10 Spanish flags, to "honor those areas in Spain exerting the greatest influence on Spanish discovery, exploration, and culture in the Gulf Coast area." (See photos and video). There are beautiful ceramic park benches, each with a painted-tile mosaic representing a Spanish city. And there are monuments for: |
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• Hernando De Soto, who explored the Southwest, and discovered the Mississippi River, and whose journey I have been tracing recently. "Adventure, soldier, dreamer," the plaque says. "The first to bring the influence of Spain, its laws, its culture to Alabama."
• Bernardo de Galvez, the governor of Spanish Louisiana who led the Spanish capture of Mobile when his forces defeated the British during the American Revolution, "beginning 33 years of Spanish rule in Mobile," the plaque says. • Isabel La Catolica, the Spanish queen who supported the most important expedition in human history. "Columbus, I lent you my jewels so you could buy your ships," the plaque says. "The only ornaments I have are the violets from the hills." |
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• Alfonse X (The Wise), the 13th century King of Castile, León and Galicia who "influence the cultural development of Spain," its plaque says.
• The Little Colt of Córdoba, the official symbol of Córdoba, a reproduction of the original fountain statue in Córdoba, Spain. • El Cenachero, The Fishmonger (literally the basket carrier), the official symbol to the city of Málaga, Spain, which is Mobile's sister city and which is honored in a section of this park. This is a replica of the statue that stands in the Plaza de la Marina, in Málaga. |
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"Malaga, sister city," says the plaque, "we pledge ever to increase our understanding, our love and mutual respect, and we offer again living proof that true friendship can never be confined nor restricted by our countries' borders, nor by the oceans, nor by the years."
What this park lacks in flowers, it makes up with flowery language. "In commemoration of her influences and joining with her in this monument," another plaque says. "Mobile dedicates this plaza to Spain and her peoples, and toward the principle of strengthening the ties of friendship which have endured for more than four centuries." And just when you think you have seen enough significant monuments in only one small park, you find a statue of a little donkey that takes many Hispanics back to their youth. That's right! Platero is here! |
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For many Hispanics, reading the 1914 Spanish classic "Platero y Yo" was, a the plaque here says, "an introduction to a symbol of tenderness and purity as well as a means of reflection about life's simple joys and harsh realities."
This lyrical narrative book had such an impact on me that I still keep my 60-year-old copy. I've taken a lot of great photos during my Hispanic heritage road trips, but taking a selfie with Platero was really special. (See photo). |
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Next stop: I'm staying in Mobile to revisit and update my photos and article about a trilingual fort with four names: Louis, Conde, Charlotte and Carlota. Are you coming?
