Siege of Pensacola Commemorative Medal
Artifact ID1981.02222.01
Object Type
Medal, Commemorative
Gifter
Earl Dewitt Hutto
Date
1981
Medium
Metal (bronze)
Dimensions1/16 × 1 1/2 in. (1.5 × 37.7 mm)
Physical DescriptionA bronze medal commemorating the siege of Pensacola. The medal's obverse has a raised relief of Bernardo de Gálvez, head and shoulders, in an 18th-century uniform. Below is a raised signature of Bernardo de Gálvez. In a circle around the edge is "GÁLVEZ BICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION * PENSACOLA – MAY 8, 1981" in raised letters. The coin's reverse has a relief of soldiers on horseback and marching. Behind them is a raised flag of Great Britain (1707-1801) and a flag with the Cross of Burgundy for Spanish Louisiana. In a circle around the edge is "SPAIN DEFEATS BRITAIN AT BATTLE OF PENSACOLA * FLORIDA * MAY 8, 1781 *" in raised letters.Historical NoteThe medal was given by Rep. Earl Dewitt Hutto (D-FL) on May 4, 1981 during a meeting with Democratic members of Congress for Gramm Latta bipartisan Budget resolution. President Reagan wrote of the meeting in his diary, “A half day in the office meeting with 4 groups of Demo. Congressmen (28 in all) Good meetings and I have an optimistic feeling we're going to get our bill.”
The gifts were from the Gálvez Commission and the Pensacola Historical Society, on behalf of the people of Pensacola, FL for the 200th anniversary of the the Siege of Pensacola. It took place March 9 – May 8, 1781 when Spain captured the British capitol of West Florida. Bernardo de Gálvez was the governor of Spanish Louisiana. Spain had begun fighting British forces in Florida in 1779 as part of their efforts to draw British forces away from fighting against the American colonists in the Revolutionary War.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteThe item was a gift from a member of the general public to President Ronald Reagan during the Reagan administration. It was received through the Executive Office of the President Office of Correspondence and maintained there until its transfer to the National Archives in January, 1989 for deposit with the Reagan Presidential Library.
National Archives Catalog CollectionRecords of the White House Gift Unit (Reagan Administration) (National Archives Identifier 6816362) and
National Archives Catalog SeriesGifts from the General Public (National Archives Identifier 6816363)
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - Possibly
Use Restriction NoteCopyright or other proprietary rights may be held by individuals or entities other than the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum. The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum does not warrant that the use of materials will not infringe on the rights of third parties holding the rights to these works, or make any representations or warranties with respect to the application or terms of any international agreement, treaty, or protections that may apply. It is your responsibility to determine and satisfy any copyright or other use restrictions. Pertinent regulations can be found at 36 C.F.R 1254.62.
In Collection(s)
Related LinksPresident Reagan's Diary entry for Monday, May 4, 1981
Photograph: Meeting with Congressman for Gramm Latta bipartisan Budget resolution in the Oval Office 05/04/1981: c01751-02