From the victorious battle of Clostercamp to the perfect plan of Chesapeake, the Marquis de Castries, hero of the n

The association of Friends of the Château de Castries brings back to life, during the Escale in Sète, the history of Marquis Charles-Eugène-Gabriel de la Croix de Castries, Minister of the Navy under Louis XVI who devised the plan to defeat the English at Chesapeake, a decisive battle for American independence celebrated on its 250th anniversary.

On a barrel, dressed in 18th-century ceremonial attire, a man from the association of Friends of the Château de Castres recounts a crucial episode of the American War of Independence, highlighting the work of Marquis Charles-Eugène-Gabriel de La Croix de Castries, described as “the most brilliant man from a family of the Montpellier bourgeoisie who acquired nobility by purchasing the barony of Castries in 1495,” according to General Elrick Irastorza, former Chief of Staff of the army and history enthusiast.

Son of Joseph-François, the first in the family to settle in Paris, Charles-Eugène-Gabriel, born in 1727, joined the army at a young age. Following distinguished service in battles during the War of Austrian Succession, he rose to the rank of regiment commander at 17. Known for his military and romantic successes, he was praised for his achievements and eventually made Marshal of France.

In 1780, Charles-Eugène-Gabriel de La Croix de Castries, appointed Secretary of State for the Navy by Louis XVI, devised a plan that would deceive the English and alter world history by effectively supporting the American colonies’ quest for independence.

The plan involved maintaining naval activity in the Channel facing the English coast while sending a large fleet to the Indian Ocean under Suffren’s command, distracting the English forces. The strategy led to a naval victory at Chesapeake, isolating and forcing the surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown in 1781.

Castries signed the Treaty of Versailles in 1783, officially recognizing the independence of the United States, solidifying his place in history and leading to his elevation to the rank of Marshal of France.

After leaving his post in 1787, Castries warned Louis XVI about the growing discontent in the kingdom, but heeded advice too late. Following the Revolution, Castries emigrated and eventually passed away in exile in 1801.

The Château de Castries, with a rich history dating back to the 16th century, underwent various transformations and ownership changes over the years. Today, the castle is open to the public, hosting events, and with plans for further development thanks to a recent investment by AV Extended, known for their illuminations of iconic landmarks.