Profile: Bucks of America

Primary Source Spotlight:  The Bucks of America flag was presented to the Black Patriot, militiamen, after the war, in 1789, by Massachusetts governor, John Hancock and the grateful, citizens of Boston. The Bucks of America medallion is an engraved, oval, silver, planchet, with the letters "MW", on the bottom, thirteen stars, for the 13 United States, above a leaping buck, and a shield, with three, fleur de lis flowers, the crest, of the last, French, royal family, the Bourbons, as a symbol of the Franco-American, war alliance, made in honor and recognition of the All Black Patriot, militia company.

Overview:

The Bucks of America were an all-Black militia group believed to have been active in Boston during the American Revolution. Very little is known about them, and they do not appear in official military records. However, historical accounts suggest they served in a local defense role, possibly protecting the city and its waterfront. Near the end of the war, Massachusetts governor John Hancock presented the group with a silk flag as recognition of their service. The flag features a stag beneath a pine tree and the words “The Bucks of America.” One known member is George Middleton, who may have led the group. Even with limited records, the Bucks of America represent the important but often hidden role Black Americans played in the nation’s founding. 

Quick Facts:

• All-Black militia group in Boston, Massachusetts

• Active during the American Revolution

• Not listed in official military records

• Recognized by Governor John Hancock

• Received a ceremonial silk flag

• Flag includes a stag and pine tree design

• One known member: George Middleton

• May have defended Boston’s waterfront

• Mentioned in 1800s writings by William Cooper Nell

• Their full history remains uncertain

Why This Story Matters:

The Bucks of America matter because they show that Black Americans were active in defending the colonies during the Revolutionary War. Even though records are limited, their recognition by Governor John Hancock suggests they played a real and valued role. Their story challenges the idea that the fight for independence was led only by white colonists. It also highlights how history can overlook entire groups of people. The lack of records is not proof they did not serve—it shows how some stories were not preserved. Learning about the Bucks of America helps us build a more complete picture of the Revolution and understand that Black contributions were part of the nation from the very beginning. 

Legacy:

The legacy of the Bucks of America is shaped by both what we know and what we do not know. Their story reminds us that history is not always complete. Many Black contributions were not recorded or preserved, leaving gaps in the historical record. Still, the recognition they received during their time shows they were valued. Today, historians and educators continue to study and share their story. The Bucks of America represent many groups whose work helped build the nation but went unrecognized. Their legacy encourages us to ask deeper questions about history and to seek out voices that were left out of the traditional story.  

The story of the Bucks of America is not widely shown in films, but it appears in historical writing and museum collections. Their flag, now preserved by the Massachusetts Historical Society, is one of the few pieces of evidence that they existed. Histories like The Colored Patriots of the American Revolution by William Cooper Nell helped bring attention to their story. Reenactments and educational programs about the Revolution sometimes include Black militia groups, helping people imagine their role. These sources show how history can be told not only through documents, but also through objects and later efforts to recover lost stories. 

Discussion Questions:

1. Why is it important to question whose voices and experiences are included in history? 

2. Why might the history of a Black militia group like the Bucks of America be missing or hard to find? How does that affect our understanding of the past?

3. How can knowing about groups like the Bucks of America impact our national sense of identity?

Reflection Prompt:

1. What does it mean for our understanding of America’s founding if groups like the Bucks of America helped defend the nation, but their story was almost lost?  

Sources & Further Reading:

1. William C. Nell. "The Colored Patriots of the American Revolution." Boston, Robert F. Wallcut, 1855. 

2. "Who Were the Bucks of America?" Podcast Episode. Massachusetts Historical Society. 

3. "Bucks of America Flag." Artifact. Massachusetts Historical Society. 

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