Black Patriots in the Continental Army: Promised Freedom, Largely Betrayed

An estimated 5,000 Black men served in the Continental Army and state militias during the Revolutionary War, fighting at Bunker Hill, Trenton, Yorktown, and other engagements. Salem Poor, a freed Black man, was commended for gallantry at Bunker Hill. Peter Salem is credited with shooting British Major Pitcairn at the same battle. Many were promised freedom for service; most were returned to bondage when the war ended. Southern states refused to arm enslaved people at all, and Washington initially barred Black enlistment before reversing course under manpower pressure.