Opelousas Poste Militia
Opelousas Poste and the Militia
Opelousas was one of the earliest European settlements in Louisiana, established around 1720 as Le Poste des Opelousas. It developed as an important trading center, where European merchants exchanged goods with local Native American communities.
Following the Treaty of Paris (1763), Louisiana became a Spanish colony. Under Spanish rule, local militias were organized to help defend and maintain the region, including the Opelousas Poste Militia.
The Anglo-Spanish War
After years of hesitation, Spain entered into conflict with Great Britain on June 21, 1779, as part of the broader global war connected to the American Revolution. Spain’s objective in North America was to weaken British control along the Gulf Coast and reclaim Florida.
Leadership of this effort fell to Bernardo de Gálvez, the Spanish governor of Louisiana. His strategy included capturing British-held positions along the Mississippi River, beginning with Fort New Richmond at Baton Rouge.
Control of the Mississippi was strategically important, as it would limit British movement and strengthen allied operations in the region.
The 1779 Campaign
In August 1779, a hurricane struck New Orleans, damaging or destroying much of Gálvez’s naval support and forcing a change in plans. Without sufficient ships, he turned instead to overland forces and called upon colonial militias for support.
Men from across the colony were mobilized, including those of the Opelousas Poste. That summer, males between the ages of 15 and 45 were called into service.
Jean Michel Prudhomme, then about 40 years old and living in the Opelousas region with his family, was among those who served.
The militia assembled near Bayou Manchac and began their campaign on September 7, 1779. Gálvez’s forces advanced on Fort New Richmond, laying siege to the British position.
Siege of Baton Rouge
The siege concluded on September 21, 1779, when the British surrendered Fort New Richmond.
Following the victory, militia members—including those from Opelousas—were compensated for their service and allowed to return home. While their period of active duty was relatively brief, their participation contributed to Spain’s successful campaign in the region.
Gálvez continued military operations after this victory, ultimately securing British West Florida for Spain.