In a rebellion by the citizens of the Florida Parishes, the Spanish fort San Carlos at Baton Rouge was captured and a republic was established under the blue flag with a white star. St. Francisville was the capital. This independent nation, complete with a constitution, governor, and small army, lasted 74 days before being accepted as a territory of the United States, later becoming part of the new State of Louisiana in 1812. The republic flag was buried in a ceremony not far from this spot.
