Joseph Savary was a Haitian military leader who played a significant role in the War of 1812. He commanded the 2nd Battalion of Free Men of Color under General Andrew Jackson at the Battle of New Orleans. Born of African descent, in Saint Dominque Savary was a skilled officer who had experience from the Haitian Revolution. He and his troops, composed of free Black and mixed-race soldiers, fought alongside U.S. forces against the British. They assured a decisive American victory on January 8, 1815. For his leadership and bravery, Savary was promoted to the rank of major. But Jackson ordered him and his men to leave New Orleans so as not to destabilize the institution of slavery and incite an insurrection. The left the United States to fight in the Mexican Revolution against Spain. Savary march his men out of the city in a victory parade so that residents would who had fought bled and died for their freedom.
The Joy Trip Project celebrates the enduring legacy of Black American History. The Unhidden Minute is part of the Unhidden Podcast Project supported through a National Geographic Explorer Grant from the National Geographic Society, with the cooperation of the National Park Service. This series elevates the untold stories of Black American historical figures, events and cultural contributions.
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Illustration by Nate Taylor
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