Black Patriots: An Untold Story of the American Revolution

In anticipation of the celebrations of the 250th anniversary of American independence, recalling stories of the courage, hardship, and sacrifice of those who fought to establish our liberties—including those of black Patriots—is as important as ever.

Black Patriots played a vital, often overlooked, role in the success of the American Revolution. The Daughters of the American Revolution estimates that 5,000 to 8,000 served the American cause as soldiers, sailors, teamsters, cooks, stewards, nurses, and camp followers.

Their participation is documented from the very first shots of the war at Lexington and Concord in April 1775, where black Patriot minutemen serving in local militia units responded to the call and fought the British all the way back to Boston. A study commissioned by the National Park Service records dozens of black Patriots serving with their units at the Battle of Bunker Hill, where Salem Poor earned widespread praise from his commanders, recognizing him as a brave and gallant soldier.

The performance of these black Patriots overcame the initial reluctance of George Washington and the Continental Congress to enlistment of Black soldiers. Most black Patriots served in integrated Continental Army and state militia units, receiving equal pay and rations. They also suffered hardships equally. More than 50 black Patriots are recorded as dying from disease and exposure during the brutal winter at Valley Forge. At various times, they comprised 10-25 percent of New England enlistments, and were represented in regiments of every state. The First Rhode Island Regiment was formed in 1778 with as many as 140 black recruits, more than 80 of whom had their freedom from slavery purchased by the state, later distinguishing themselves in battle. After the battle of Monmouth—one of the largest battles of the war—more than 700 black Patriots were reported in the participating Continental Army brigades.

Black Patriots fought not just for American independence, but also in hope of liberty for themselves and their families. Their participation challenged the contradictions of a revolution for freedom while maintaining the institution of slavery. Massachusetts, which accounted for as much as 40 percent of black Patriot enlistments overall, banned slavery in 1780 before the end of the war. Manumissions accelerated in other states, and even Virginia and North Carolina passed laws to ensure the freedom of slaves that had served as substitutes during the war. Several black Patriot veterans, such as James Forten of Philadelphia, would be prominent in establishing the early abolitionist movement, and later, the Underground Railroad.

When Congress authorized pensions in 1818 for impoverished Revolutionary War soldiers, hundreds of black Patriot veterans submitted affidavits documenting their service, giving us valuable first-hand accounts of their sacrifices that sustained the Patriot cause in desperate hours and contributed to eventual victory. The history of black Patriot enriches our understanding of the Revolution as a complex struggle involving a diverse set of Americans fighting for the promise of liberty.

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