African Americans & women who fought in the Revolutionary War

James Armistead

James Armistead [Lafayette] was an African American spy during the American Revolution. Born in Virginia as a slave to William Armistead in 1760, he volunteered to join the army in 1781. After gaining the consent of his owner, Armistead was stationed to serve under the Marquis de Lafayette, the commander of French forces allied with the American Continental Army.  Lafayette employed Armistead as a spy.  While working for Lafayette he successfully infiltrated British General Charles Cornwallis's headquarters posing as a runaway slave hired by the British to spy on the Americans.

The man in the center of the picture is Crispus Attucks

In 1770, Crispus Attucks, a black man, became the first casualty of the American Revolution when he was shot and killed in what became known as the Boston Massacre. 

Anne Bailey

Known as "Mad Ann" Bailey, she was born in Liverpool, England, and came to America at age 19, probably as an indentured servant.  She was a heroine at the battle of Griswald, often went house to house collecting material for bandages and tended to many wounded.

Margaret Corbin

Her parents were killed by Indian raiders when she was five. She married John Corbin when she was 21.  When he joined the Army she followed her husband. Even Martha Washington went along with General Washington.  Margaret cooked and took care of the sick and wounded.

When Fort Washington was attacked she was helping John load the cannon.  He was shot and killed.  She just stepped up and began firing the cannon.  She was wounded.  She was the first woman to get a pension for her service! 

James Forten

James Forten was born on September 2, 1766. He was a freeman. He grew up in the center of American democracy - Philadelphia.   He loved reading and learning. Soon was working as a sailor. Unfortunately, he was captured by the British and was held as a prisoner of war. The captain of this ship offered to send James to England for an education with his own son.  Forten refused to be a traitor to his country. The captain then traded Forten for a British prisoner. 

For more examples of African Americans and women in the Revolutionary War click HERE!