Profile: William Flora

Overview:

William Flora was a free Black man from Portsmouth, Virginia, who played a key role early in the American Revolutionary War. In 1775, he joined a militia and fought at the Battle of Great Bridge. As a sentry on a narrow bridge, Flora faced a British attack and held his position under heavy fire. He fired multiple shots at advancing troops and was the last soldier to leave the bridge, helping slow the enemy and protect Patriot forces. He later served in the Continental Army for several years and may have fought at Yorktown. After the war, Flora became a successful businessman and property owner, able to leave a substantial estate to his son and grandson. His life shows courage in battle and success beyond it. 

Quick Facts:

• Born to free Black parents in Portsmouth, Virginia, ca. 1755

• Served in the Continental Army

• Hero at the Battle of Great Bridge

• Stood as a sentry and fired multiple shots at advancing British troops

• Served in several Virginia regiments during the war

• Possibly present at the Battle of Yorktown

• Later served during the War of 1812

• Owned and operated a successful livery stable business

• Purchased property and built a large estate

• Received a 100-acre land bounty for his military service

Why This Story Matters:

William Flora matters because his story expands our understanding of who fought, sacrificed, and shaped the American Revolution.  As a free Black man, he chose to fight for a cause that did not yet promise full equality. His actions at Great Bridge helped protect Patriot forces at a critical moment. After the war, he built wealth and owned property, which was rare for Black Americans at the time. His success shows that African Americans were not only soldiers but also community builders and business owners. Learning about Flora helps students see a more complete picture of the nation’s founding and understand how race shaped opportunity and recognition. 

Legacy:

William Flora’s legacy is one of courage, determination, and success. He helped defend the Patriot cause during a key early battle and continued to serve his country later in life. After the war, he became a successful business owner and property holder, showing that African Americans contributed to both the military and economic growth of the nation. His ability to build wealth and pass it down to his family is especially important, given the barriers Black people faced at the time. His story challenges incomplete narratives and shows that Black Americans played a lasting role in shaping the United States.

William Flora is not the focus of a major film, but his story connects to scenes often shown in Revolutionary War movies. Battles like Great Bridge are rarely shown on screen, and when they are, the role of Black soldiers is often missing. Flora’s story helps fill that gap. Behind the scenes, historical records, newspaper accounts, and military documents tell us about his bravery. These sources act as important “works” that preserve his story. They remind us that many African American contributions exist in records, even when they are not shown in films or popular media. 

Discussion Questions:

1. What will it take for America to fully acknowledge and appreciate the contributions and sacrifices Black people made to the founding of the nation? 

2. How does learning about Black business success despite racism change the way we think about what it means to pull yourself up by your bootstraps?

3. What message does it send when the contributions of Black soldiers and entrepreneurs are left out of the story of the nation’s founding?

Reflection Prompt:

1. What happens to a society when important parts of its history are never fully told or understood? 

Sources & Further Reading:

1. “William ‘Billy’ Flora (d. ca. 1819).” Virginia Humanities, Encyclopedia Virginia. Biography of free Black Revolutionary War soldier William Flora, including his service at Great Bridge, Continental Army enlistment, and later life in Portsmouth.

2. “William Flora.” Historical Negro Biographies. Encyclopedia entry. The International Library of Negro History and Life. 1969. Page 19.

3. Pay Record for Captain David Mason’s Company, 11th Virginia Regiment. Military Pay Record. April 1779. National Archives. Record documenting members of Captain David Mason’s company, including William Flora’s Revolutionary War service. 

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