Unsung Heroes: Black Patriots in the American Revolution

The Forgotten Founders: Black Patriots of the Revolution

When Americans gather to celebrate the Semiquincentennial—the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026—much will be made of heroes like Washington, Jefferson, and Franklin. But the fight for liberty was waged by a broader cast, and among them were thousands of Black Patriots: free and enslaved men who risked all in pursuit of the nation's birth and, in many cases, their own freedom. Their stories, often overlooked, are essential to understanding the true spirit of 1776.

Fighting for Freedom: Black Soldiers and Sailors

At the outbreak of war in 1775, Black men in New England began enlisting in the Continental Army. The Massachusetts militia, for example, included Crispus Attucks, a man of African and Native descent who became the first casualty of the Boston Massacre in 1770—widely regarded as the first blood spilled in the cause of American liberty. By the end of the Revolution in 1783, historians estimate that 5,000 to 8,000 Black soldiers had served the Patriot cause, both free and enslaved.

Among the notable were:

• Peter Salem, a former slave who fought valiantly at the Battle of Bunker Hill (June 1775), where he was credited with killing British Major John Pitcairn.
• James Armistead Lafayette, an enslaved Virginian who became a double agent, providing critical intelligence that helped secure victory at the Battle of Yorktown in 1781.
• Salem Poor, who so distinguished himself during battle that 14 officers petitioned the Massachusetts legislature to recognize his bravery.

Black Patriots also served at sea. The Continental Navy and privateers counted men like Joseph Ranger and Prince Boston among their ranks, facing British warships in defense of American ideals.

The Promise and Limits of Liberty

The motivations of Black Patriots were complex. For many, the promise of freedom was paramount. In 1775, Lord Dunmore, the royal governor of Virginia, offered emancipation to enslaved men who escaped to fight for the British. In response, the Continental Army reversed its initial ban, allowing Black men to enlist—and some states pledged freedom to those who served. For some, military service did result in liberty. For others, the promise was broken, and they returned to bondage after risking their lives for independence.

Yet their commitment was unwavering. Black soldiers fought at Lexington and Concord, the Siege of Savannah, and the final battles at Yorktown. Their presence was a living rebuke to a Revolution predicated on liberty but still shadowed by slavery—a tension that would shape the republic for generations.

Legacy: Black Patriots and the American Story

The contributions of Black Patriots were not always acknowledged in their time. But their legacy endures, woven into the fabric of the nation's history and honored today by groups like the Afro-American Sons of Liberty and memorialized in places like the African American Patriots Monument in Boston. Their stories challenge us to see the American Revolution not only as the birth of a nation, but as the beginning of a centuries-long struggle for a more perfect union.

As we approach the USA 250th Anniversary, let us remember—and celebrate—the courage and sacrifice of Black Patriots. Their commitment to freedom shaped the Revolution and inspires us to keep striving for the ideals that defined 1776. Join us at Pumpbear in honoring their legacy and the spirit of a nation ever dedicated to liberty and justice for all.