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1st RHODE ISLAND REGIMENT

1st RHODE ISLAND REGIMENTAL FLAG
"I Joined the Army to Obtain My Freedom"

1st RHODE ISLAND REGIMENT OF FOOT - THE BEST LIGHT INFANTRY IN THE CONTINENTAL LINE

A NEW PAGE HAS BEEN ADDED,  TO READ ABOUT THE 
BLACK SOLDIERS WHO FOUGHT AT THE BATTLE OF GERMANTOWN
CLICK HERE

Greetings From The 1st Rhode Island Regiment of Foot
"The Best Light Infantry in the Continental Line"

Welcome to the 1st Rhode Island Web site.

Our purpose is to keep alive, the history of the thousands of men and women of color who were active in the American Revolution.  Some joined the Colonial forces in the struggle to form a nation governed by the people and independent from the rule of King George the III of England. Others were motivated by a promise of freedom. They all had one thing in common, they all had a desire to be free.  Some found a degree of freedom, others experienced the bitter disappointment of being placed back into bondage.  The promise of freedom, was enough to inspire those who had no guarantees, to step forward and join the fight.

THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION

 During the American Revolution, Africans served both the British and the American causes.  From the very onset of the war, Africans were involved in fighting for the cause of American independence.  Although most blacks were enslaved at the time, both free and enslaved Africans joined the ranks of the colonial militias and navies.  Others would serve in as volunteers in the British army and navy.  Africans may have been motivated more, by the chance of freedom and not so much by the political objectives of either side.  When Gen. George Washington a Virginian, took charge of the Continental Army in 1775, he put a stop to the recruitment of Africans, even though blacks had distinguished themselves in almost every engagement that had occurred so far in the conflict.  Washington himself a Southerner and a slave owner was fearful of having guns in the hands of Africans free, or slaves.  Blacks realized that the war offered them a powerful bargaining chip for freedom.  Seeking freedom and equality, if they were rejected by the Colonials, they would turn to the British. . 

Virginia's Royal Governor, John Murray "Lord Dunmore", issued the following proclamation:
  
"And I hereby further declare, all indented servants, Negroes, or others 
(appertaining to Rebels) free, that are able and willing to bear arms. 
They joining His Majesty's Troops, as soon as may be for the more 
speedily  reducing the Colony to a proper sense of their duty to this 
Majesty's crown and dignity." 

Lord Dunmore  invited the above mentioned individuals to join his "Ethiopian Regiment" many blacks rallied to the call.  Lord Dunmore's Proclamation brought on a change of policy in the Continental Camp.  Soon Washington gave in and blacks were welcomed into the Continental line.  The First Rhode Island Regiment was formed as a Black Regiment made up of blacks and Native Americans both freemen and slaves.  To learn more about the Black Regiment, visit the History Page

Byron W. Childress

byron@1stri.org 

we want you!!!!!

join!!

 the 1st Rhode Island Regiment of Foot

Today!!!!!

We want you to Join the 1st Rhode Island Regiment Re-enactors.  Enlist in our proud regiment and help
to keep the history alive.  E-mail us for a membership application.

Contact us now!!!!

In the Trenton and New Jersey, Area:

Contact: Fredric L. Minus

In the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Area:

Contact: Joseph Becton or Byron W. Childress

Start a Company of the 1st Rhode Island Regiment in your own home town.  We will help you get started.

           Click here to e-mail the 1st Rhode Islanders

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Since January 5, 2007

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