The Spanish Memorial Plaque in Fort Greene Park commemorates the Spanish soldiers who fought, suffered, and died in support of American independence during the Revolutionary War. The original bronze plaque was presented by King Juan Carlos of Spain and dedicated in 1976 as part of the nation’s bicentennial celebrations. It was later removed from its granite plinth because of its deteriorated condition and is now displayed in the park’s visitor center.
A replacement bronze plaque, funded by the Spanish electrical company Iberdrola, was created to preserve the memorial’s message while better integrating with the historic landscape. Set into a natural stone boulder on the eastern side of the Prison Ship Martyrs’ Monument plaza, the new memorial was unveiled during Hispanic Heritage Month with support from NYC Parks, the Queen Sofía Spanish Institute, Iberdrola and Avangrid, and Spanish diplomatic representatives. The memorial highlights the longstanding historical ties between Spain and the United States and recognizes Spain’s contribution to the American struggle for independence.
