Amistad Memorial

Honoring Resistance: The Amistad Memorial

Dedicated in 1992, the Amistad Memorial stands as a powerful tribute to Joseph Cinqué and the other Mende Africans who fought for their freedom in 1839 by seizing control of the Spanish ship La Amistad. Their remarkable resistance challenged the institution of slavery and became a pivotal legal battle in the United States.

A Story Told in Bronze: The Three-Sided Relief Sculpture

Designed by artist Ed Hamilton, the memorial is a three-sided relief sculpture that narrates Cinqué’s extraordinary journey. One side depicts him in his homeland, in what is now Sierra Leone, before he was captured and forced into the transatlantic slave trade. The second relief portrays one of the courtroom trials in the United States, where Cinqué and his fellow captives fought for their right to freedom. Their case ultimately reached the U.S. Supreme Court, which ruled in their favor, marking a significant victory for the abolitionist movement. The final panel shows Cinqué as a free man, boarding a ship to return to Sierra Leone, symbolizing the triumph of justice over oppression.

A Historic Site of Resistance and Justice

The memorial stands on the site of the former New Haven Jail, where the Mende Africans were imprisoned while awaiting trial. This location holds deep historical significance, representing both their captivity and their eventual liberation.

A Legacy of Courage and Justice

The Amistad case was a turning point in the abolitionist movement, demonstrating the power of resistance and legal advocacy in the fight against slavery. Today, the memorial serves as a lasting reminder of the courage of the Mende Africans and their impact on American history.

This site is open to the public.