Terre Gaillarde

A haven for Maroons (escaped slaves) in the 1780’s, Terre Gaillarde created a self-reliant economy independent of the slave system.

Located downriver from New Orleans in the back swamps of St. Bernard Parish; its fearless leader was Juan San Malo. Terre Gaillarde translates to English as Land Full of Life…and this is what San Malo sought to create for those that escaped the miseries of enslavement.

On this sacred land San Malo and the Maroons forged a community of self-sufficiency. Those who escaped from New Orleans area plantations could find independence and self-determination.

Their independent economy was created by farming their own food, catching their own wildlife, carving out vats for making indigo, along with selling textiles.

Juan San Malo and the Maroons of the New Orleans area acquired firearms and organized an ammunition supply network. His courage to resist capture was unwavering. Governor Estaban Miro’s administration feared that Juan San Malo was organizing a revolt to overthrow the slave system. After several failed attempts to locate San Malo’s base, Tarre Gaillarde was raided. Juan San Malo was captured and hung in Plaza de Armas (now Jackson Square) on June 19, 1784.

We honor his shining example of resistance to the dehumanization of oppression. May every sip of the Terre Gaillarde (Downriver Latte) burst with the sweet taste of freedom.