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In 1779, as the American Revolution intensified, an extraordinary regiment sailed from the Caribbean to fight in Georgia. Known as the Chasseurs Volontaires de Saint-Domingue, they were free men of color from the French colony of Saint-Domingue (present-day Haiti). These light infantry soldiers constituted the largest unit of men of African descent to fight in the American Revolution.  

Their service at the Siege of Savannah forged lasting historical ties between Haiti and the City of Savannah. 

French officers praised their discipline, resilience, and marksmanship, noting their ability to endure harsh conditions and quickly master European military drill. Despite these qualities, commanders relegated them to trench work rather than frontline combat. 

After the Continental Congress ratified an alliance with France, French and American forces launched a joint effort in 1779 to retake Savannah from the British. Approximately 545 Chasseurs joined Admiral Charles Henri d’Estaing’s expedition, along with roughly 3,000 additional troops.  

Painting depicting the Chasseurs Volontaires in Siege of Savannah

Presented to the City of Savannah by the Republic of Haiti on October 9, 1976 

After some initial skirmishes against the British in Savannah in late September, d’Estaing ordered the ill-fated assault that would end the Siege of Savannah on October 9th at the Spring Hill redoubt. Though historical accounts differ on the precise role of the Chasseurs during the attack, it is certain that they fought bravely in support of the American cause. The assault failed, and the Franco-American army retreated. The Siege of Savannah became one of the bloodiest engagements of the war, with an estimated 244 Franco-American casualties, including at least 25 documented deaths of members the Chasseurs Volontaires. 

Many historians believe that some men who fought in Georgia later participated in the Haitian Revolution, including Henri Christophe, who would become the first King of Haiti. Their experience in Savannah contributed to evolving ideas about liberty, citizenship, and rights, which would culminate in Haiti’s independence in 1804. 

For more than a century, the Chasseurs’ contributions went largely unrecognized in the United States amid segregation and racial prejudice. In 1976, during Savannah’s Bicentennial celebration, the city strengthened its connection with Haiti by inviting Haitian diplomats to Siege of Savannah commemorations. 

Commemorative tablet created by artist Normil Charles presented to the City of Savannah by St. Marc, Haiti, 2003.

On display in the Savannah City Hall Council Chamber.

Over time, Savannah and Saint-Marc, Haiti, developed an informal sister-city relationship marked by exchanges and mutual support. In 2003, during a Haitian delegation’s visit, the mayor of Saint-Marc presented Savannah’s mayor with a commemorative tablet created by artist Normil Charles. 

Haitian Monument, Franklin Square, 2009.  

Public Information Office Photographs (unprocessed addenda), City of Savannah Municipal Archives.

Savannah’s Haitian Monument, located in Franklin Square, was unveiled in 2007 and completed in 2009. Planned and funded by the Haitian American Historical Society, it features six life-sized bronze Chasseurs atop a granite pillar inscribed with their history. Five figures represent the unnamed Black soldiers who served with the Chasseurs and a drummer boy symbolizes Henri Christophe, believed to have fought in the Siege of Savannah. 

Haitian relief supply drive press conference, 2010.  

Public Information Office Photographs (unprocessed addenda), City of Savannah Municipal Archives.

Savannah has continued to support Haiti in times of need, including sending heavy machinery to Saint-Marc in 2008 and organizing relief supplies after Haiti’s devastating 2010 earthquake. 

Why Code Compliance? 

I've been asked this question countless times, and people rarely believe my answer. For those who have never explored the intricacies of Code, or for those who don’t truly understand what it is — I’m sure my enthusiasm must come as a surprise. But the answer is simple: I love it. 
I confess; I am genuinely obsessed with Code Enforcement. From the moment I began my career in this field, I immersed myself entirely. I follow code enforcement on social media, listen to podcasts, and read just about anything I can get my hands on. This obsession, though niche I admit, didn't just develop overnight. My love for code enforcement is rooted in my lifelong fascination with law, law enforcement, and investigation. Even as a kid, I was drawn to the idea of unraveling mysteries and seeking out the truth. 

I've served as a City of Savannah Code Compliance Officer for over two and a half years. For the past year, I've taken on the role of Field Training Officer, a position that allows me to pass on my knowledge and passion to newcomers. I love to help others, and I get to talk about code enforcement, laws, and ordinances all day — it’s a good fit. 

My journey to Code Compliance was marked by a surprising twist. Initially, I saw it as a steppingstone toward my dream of becoming a private investigator. However, the longer I stayed, the clearer it became that everything I was looking for I’d already found in the code department. I love being in the heart of investigation, and I wanted to answer tough questions and find creative solutions to help people. Code Compliance has been an awesome place for me to explore that. We don’t just react here — we pursue. Seventy percent of everything we do is self-initiated.  

Ultimately, I think Code is the bridge between a healthy, beautiful environment and one you maybe wouldn’t step foot in. At the end of the day, we’re quality control for the City of Savannah. Our whole mission is to promote a clean, safe environment for the people who live here. One of the most satisfying aspects of my work is knowing that I play a part, however small, in improving people’s lives. I get to engage with the public, educate them about compliance, and witness the transformation of their living conditions. I love going to community meetings and having people ask me super specific questions. When residents send me letters or cards — I keep every single one of them. I’m incredibly proud to be part of the work we do here.  

I’m originally from Oklahoma City, but I was raised here. No other place has ever felt like home. Simply put, I love this city. Everything I want is here. I like that when I drive down the street — people know me. They see my gold wrapped Mazda Miata with anime graphics. and stop and talk to me about it, ask me questions, and recognize me when ComiCon rolls around. I just love the energy here, the community, all of it. I’m getting married early next year, and I can’t think of any place I’d rather raise my future kids. 

In life, I think it’s rare to find exactly what you’re meant to do, rarer still to be able to do it. Maybe I’m lucky. I didn’t expect my passion for detective work and a natural curiosity would lead me to exterior property ordinances and derelict vehicles, but life is often surprising and hilarious. So, here I am.

Utility work on President Street and General McIntosh Boulevard is mostly complete.  Paving crews have moved to East Broad to mill asphalt and relay a new top layer asphalt.  The top of the hill on President Street and the area between Truman Parkway and the rail road tracks will be completed next making the surrounding areas blend with the new pavement on President Street and General McIntosh Boulevard.  Expect temporary lane closures as crews are finishing up milling, paving and painting lanes.  Substantial completion of the project should wrap up in May 2018.