Dia de Don Juan: George Washington’s Spanish Ally & Friend

“A journey to Philadelphia in the Winter procured me…the pleasure of this Gentleman’s acquaintance. His estimable qualities…establish him in my esteem.” – George Washington on Don Juan de Miralles, March 4, 1779

The fire of thirteen cannon announced the arrival of Spanish emissary Don Juan de Miralles and French minister Monsieur Conrad-Alexandre Gerard on May 1, 1779. They met with George and Martha Washington in headquarters at Wallace House, the first reception of foreign representatives by an American Commander-in-Chief.

Gather in Old Dutch Parsonage for a discussion of the diplomacy, correspondence and friendship shared by Don Juan de Miralles and George Washington during the American Revolution in New Jersey. Special guest Teresa Valcarce introduces efforts led by Iberdrola to share Spanish and Hispanic contributions to the founding of the United States as part of the approaching 250th anniversaries of the American Revolution.