New Orleans

New Orleans, LA

As part of his American tour, Kossuth visited New Orleans LA, where he was received officially as well as by an enthusiastic public. Hospitality was not unanimous, since he was thought to have antislavery views (which he did not overtly express.) "Click" on pictures to enlarge.

Kossuth plaque
A highlight of his stay was a reception in Lafayette Square, where he was welcomed by E.W.Moise "in the name of the city's general council" and attended by some eight thousand enthusiastic supporters. Kossuth delivered a powerful speech from the steps of Gallier Hall (click here to see excerpts)

With the approach of the 150th anniversary of Kossuth's visit to New Orleans, under the leadership of Julianna Bika and husband (honorary Hungarian consul) Dr.Istvan Gergatz, a committee was formed to implement a suitable plaque to be placed in Lafayette Square, locale of the 1852 Kossuth reception and speech.
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Gallier Hall

The plaque was sculpted by Bertalan K. Andrásfalvy, bronze relief casting by E. Gyuri Hollósy, patina by Bori Kigyós

The plaque is placed on a sloping Georgia granite mount: 59.7 cm (23.5") wide, 66 cm (26.5") long and 76.2 cm (30") height. The foundation block is 75 cm (33.5") by 92.7 cm (36.5"). The inscription: "Kossuth 1802-1894 (coat of arms) here on March 30 1852 Louis Kossuth Governor of Hungary Leader of the 1848 revolution Addressed the Citizens of New Orleans Hungarians of Louisiana, Árpádhon And Hungarians Worldwide" Project initiators ("executors") were dr. Gergátz, wife Julianna Bika.

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Sideview
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"Executors" w. sculptor and wife.

The unveiling program (April 6 2002) included introduction by George E. Bode, Esq (President Hungarians of Louisiana) He also welcomed and introduced distinguished guests. Sculptor Bertalan Andrásfalvy presented his work. George Bode and James King did the unveiling. Keynote speaker was HE Géza Jeszenszky, Hungary's Ambassador to the USA. On behalf of the City Council acceptance by the hon. Marlin Gusman, councilman, district D, New Orleans. Participation also by the U.S. Marine Forces Reserve band, performing both national anthems. Audience participation in traditional songs, dance performance by Betty Gill of the A´rpádhonHungarian settlement cultural association. Ferenc Mádl, president of the Republic of Hungary sent aletter with the following excerpt: (trasnslated) On behalf of myself and our Hungarian compatriots I thank you for keeping and nurturing your Hungarian heritage. I thank you for the sacrifice wich resulted in this festive occasion inaugurating Lajos Kossuth's memorial in the center of the City of New Orleans. From this day on it will proclaim the worldwide capability and talent of a small nation. To see the whole letter (in Hungarian) click here

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With amb. Jeszenszky
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Lafayette park

Gallier Hall and Lafayette Park are located in the old New Orleans city center area.(See map. Lafayette Park,(a.k.a. Lafayette Square) is surrounded by goverment buildings; it is well shaded with live oak trees. Includes a number of statues of noted personalities.

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