The tiny colony of Rhode Island played an outsized role in the American Revolution–from sparking the first armed conflict aboard the HMS Gaspee in Narragansett Bay in 1772 to the first “declaration of independence” in the form of the Act of Renunciation on May 4, 1776.
Yet, there is another significant Rhode Island “first” being celebrated during the country’s 250th Anniversary. It’s the story of a band of men with uncommon courage: The 1st Rhode Island Regiment.
From Enslaved to Soldiers
When Rhode Island couldn’t meet its quota of recruits to fight in the War of Independence, East Greenwich attorney James Mitchell Varnum, a Continental Army general, made a bold proposal to enlist black and indigenous slaves.
The Slave Enlistment Act passed by the Rhode island legislature, granted immediate freedom in exchange for their service.
“Think of the fortitude of these folks whose country really didn’t love them but they were fighting on behalf of a country that was fighting for ideals that we didn’t always live up to,” said Rhode Island Secretary of State Gregg Amore, a former high school history teacher.
Some 140 men of color answered the call to arms, and were transformed from slaves to soldiers. They wore white, frontier coats and special helmets emblazoned with an anchor–Rhode Island’s symbol of hope.
By all accounts at the time, the regiment was disciplined and dedicated. Jason Roome is a reenactor and a descendant of Caesar Rome (Roome), a private in the company:
Roome says he was astounded when he discovered the connection. “I mean, that’s incredible, you know? And it’s like now I can tell the story, I can share this with kids of color and everybody. The first time I marched was in East Greenwich. I came around the corner and I saw kids of color and I was in tears,” said Roome.
Valor on the Battlefield
The regiment fought on many fronts throughout all seven years of the war including the fierce Battle of Rhode Island where they won the respect of their commanding officers and others for their uncommon valor.
What was the source of their courage? “I guess they were hoping that when this is over that they will have a part of this country also, you know, it will be their homeland,” said Roome. “I’m grateful for what they’ve done to get me where I am today,”he added.
A Legacy Preserved
Today, Rhode Island’s archives preserve the original handwritten muster roll of the 1st Rhode Island Regiment, a lasting record of the men who fought for a freedom many had only just gained. Their legacy also lives on at a granite memorial in Portsmouth’s Patriot’s Park dedicated to the heroics of the enslaved and free black men and indigenous soldiers. Now, 250 years later, legislation pending in Washington would award the 1st Rhode Island Regiment a Congressional Gold Medal, ensuring their service in the Revolutionary War receives national recognition.
