Mr. Odom's talk will focus on why East and West Florida did not become the 14th and 15th stars in the American Revolutionary flag -- and Spain's struggle to wrest West Florida from Britain.

Come meet Mr. Odom at a wine & cheese reception starting at 6:00 pm. The lecture is scheduled to begin at 6:30 pm. The event is free and open to the public. This lecture is the first of the 2017-18 series of "Cultural Thursdays at Mission San Luis." Keep an eye out for other events to come!

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Wesley Odom is a native of Pensacola and has embraced his city's history since he was a child. Since 1998, he has lived near the epicenter of the Revolutionary War battlefield, which many historians have overlooked. This motivated him to write a book about the largest battle ever fought in Florida and the longest siege of the American Revolution. Since its publication, this battle and Spain's involvement in the fight have received increased interest. In 2015, the commanding general, Bernardo de Gálvez, was awarded U.S. citizenship by the U.S. Congress--only one of eight to have received such an honor.

When not researching Pensacola history, Wesley operates a Registered Investment Advisory firm and owns a historic tour company. He is a former Naval officer and graduate of Vanderbilt University.