Mobile Celebrates 200 Years as an American City

Apr 12th, 2013

This Saturday, April 13, the Honorable Juan M. Molina Acting Ambassador for Spain to the United States will be in Mobile to help celebrate the 200th anniversary of Mobile becoming an American City. Mr. Molina has served his country in many important posts including Ambassador to Swaziland, Mozambique and Ambassador-at-large for Southern African Affairs.

Two hundred years ago, American forces under the command of General James Wilkinson marched into Mobile and demanded the surrender of Fuerte Carlota from the Spanish. Seeing the mass of guns before him, the Spanish commandant agreed to leave the City; and without a shot being fired Mobile became an American City.

At 3:00 on April 13, the historic Spanish Flag which has flown over Fuerte Carlota (Fort Conde) since March 13, will be lowered and presented to Mr. Molina. Following this Mayor Sam Jones will accept the City from Spain and the historic Star Spangled Banner of 15 stars and 15 stripes will be raised.

All citizens of Mobile and guests are invited to attend.

In addition to the Commemoration Ceremony, re-enactors will be at the Fort and at Mardi Gras Park all day to show the public how people lived during the period.