The Friends of the Château de Castries Association brings to life, during the Escale à Sète event, the history of Marquis Charles-Eugène-Gabriel de la Croix de Castries, Minister of the Navy to Louis XVI who devised the plan to defeat the English at Chesapeake, a decisive battle for American independence celebrated on its 250th anniversary.
A man, dressed in 18th-century formal attire, stands on a barrel and addresses the crowd at the Escale à Sète event, recounting a crucial episode of the American War of Independence and the work of Marquis Charles-Eugène-Gabriel de La Croix de Castries.
At 17 years old, Charles-Eugène-Gabriel led successful military campaigns in Corsica and the Caribbean, earning recognition for his strategic victories.
He later orchestrated a plan that would deceive the English and significantly alter global history by supporting American independence.
Under his leadership, French forces achieved a significant naval victory at Chesapeake Bay, leading to the surrender of British General Cornwallis and ultimately securing American independence.
As a sign of his historical significance, Charles-Eugène-Gabriel de La Croix de Castries co-signed the Treaty of Versailles in 1783, officially acknowledging the independence of the United States from Britain.
After leaving his post in 1787, he warned Louis XVI of emerging discontent, eventually fleeing to Blankenburg where he died in exile in 1801 at the age of 73.
The Château de Castries, originally built in 1565, underwent various ownership changes throughout history and is now open to the public, hosting events and activities, with plans to expand its offerings with innovative projects.
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