Profile: First Rhode Island Regiment

Overview:

The 1st Rhode Island Regiment was a military unit that served in the Continental Army during the American Revolution. Formed in 1775, it became known as the “Black Regiment” after 1778, when Rhode Island allowed enslaved and free Black men to enlist. In return, enslaved men who joined were promised freedom. This led to more than 140 Black soldiers joining the regiment. Although it was not entirely Black, at approximately 62%, it had one of the largest groups of African American soldiers in the war. The regiment fought in battles in the northern colonies, including the Battle of Rhode Island. Later, it joined with 2nd Rhode Island Regiment to form the Rhode Island Regiment.  The Rhode Island Regiment participated at the Battle of Yorktown, the final major battle that secured independence from Britain.

The story of the 1st Rhode Island Regiment is not often shown in major films, but it appears in reenactments and documentaries about the American Revolution. Living history groups today work to show the important role of Black soldiers in the war. These reenactments help bring attention to a unit that is often left out of textbooks and movies. Educational programs and museums also highlight the regiment to give a more complete picture of the Revolution. By including these soldiers, modern storytelling helps correct the idea that the fight for independence involved only white Americans. 

Quick Facts:

• Formed in 1775 as part of the Continental Army

• Recruited African American soldiers starting in 1778

• Included both free and formerly enslaved men

• Enslaved men were promised freedom for service

• Had about 225 soldiers, including around 140 Black men

• Fought in the Battle of Rhode Island (1778)

• Later merged with the 2nd Rhode Island Regiment to become The Rhode Island Regiment

• Took part in the Battle of Yorktown

• One of the most diverse units in the Revolutionary War

• Sometimes called the “Black Regiment”

Why This Story Matters:

The 1st Rhode Island Regiment matters because it shows that Black soldiers played a major role in the fight for American independence. Many of these men were enslaved and chose to fight in hopes of gaining freedom. Their service challenges the idea that the Revolution was fought only by white colonists. It also shows how the promise of freedom was used during the war, even though not all promises were kept. These soldiers fought bravely, even while facing discrimination and danger. Their story helps us better understand the complexity of the American Revolution and the role race played in it. Learning about this regiment helps complete the story of who fought to create the nation. 

Legacy:

The legacy of the 1st Rhode Island Regiment is one of courage and change. These soldiers fought for a country that did not yet fully recognize their freedom. Their service helped push forward ideas about equality and citizenship. Even though many of their stories were not widely told, historians continue to uncover their contributions. Today, the regiment is remembered as one of the most important examples of Black military service in early American history. Their legacy reminds us that the fight for freedom included people from many backgrounds, even those who were denied basic rights at the time. 

Discussion Questions:

1. Why would Black men choose to fight in the 1st Rhode Island Regiment even though they were not free or fully treated as equals?

2. What does the story of this regiment suggest about who was willing to fight for a country that did not yet fully include them? How might that shape how we define patriotism?

3. How might the limited attention given to Black soldiers in this regiment affect how students understand who helped build the United States—and who belongs in its story?

Reflection Prompt:

1. If Black soldiers helped fight for American independence but were still denied full rights afterward, what does that reveal about the gap between the nation’s ideals and its actions? How should that shape the way we understand American history today? 

Sources & Further Reading:

1. “1st Rhode Island Regiment.” BlackPast. 

2. “Highlights of the Timeline of the 1st Rhode Island Regiment.” Battle of Rhode Island Association. 

3. “America’s First Black Regiment Fought the British.” History. 

4. Legends & Lies: The Patriots. “Forgotten Heroes.” Fox News Channel, 2016. Recommended as supplemental viewing for its dramatized interpretation of African American participation in the Revolutionary War, including the First Rhode Island Regiment. Historical claims made in the film should be cross-referenced with primary and scholarly sources. The series is narrated by the multi-award winning actor Kelsey Grammer.

5. “Soldiers at the Siege of Yorktown.” Illustration. Jean-Baptiste-Antoine DeVerger. c. 1781. Anne S. K. Brown Military Collection, Brown University. 

6. “Soldiers in the 1st Rhode Island Regiment.” Painting. Frank Quagan. c. 1976. Varnum Armory Museum. Designed for the Rhode Island Black Heritage Society and the 1st Rhode Island Regiment. 

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