Though often associated with African American soldiers, the 1st Rhode Island Regiment was an integrated unit composed of African, Indigenous, and white soldiers, commanded by white officers, who all served together from 1778 through the end of the war in 1783. Rhode Island offered freedom to enslaved men in exchange for military service, making the 1st Rhode Island Regiment one of the most diverse in the Continental Army.
Integration was not unique to the 1st Rhode Island Regiment and integrated units served throughout the Continental Army. After the Revolutionary War the American Army would become segregated and remain that way until the Korean War.
On Saturday, September 12, 2026, from 10 am to 4 pm, New Windsor Cantonment State Historic Site in Orange County, NY, will host a special free living history event focused on the 1st Rhode Island Regiment.
The “Black Regiment,” as it was known, was briefly present at New Windsor Cantonment during the winter of 1782-83.
This family-friendly event will feature living history interpreters from the 1st Rhode Island Regiment who will share unique stories and insights into the lives of Black Revolutionary War soldiers and the 1st Rhode Island’s contributions towards American independence.
Ongoing activities, including tabletop displays and camp life demonstrations, will take place from 10 am to 4 pm on Saturday at New Windsor Cantonment. The 1st Rhode Island Regiment will be performing military drills at 11:15 am and 2 pm.
At 1 pm there will be a brief introductory talk about the history of the regiment and their service during the Revolution.
This will be followed by a talk with Lorén M. Spears titled, “Revolution: Impact, Diplomacy & Sovereignty,” focusing on the experiences of the Narragansett people, unfreedom, sovereignty and the lesser-known story of Indigenous service in the 1st Rhode Island Regiment will be held at 1:15 pm.
Both talks with be held in the program room of the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor, adjacent to the New Windsor Cantonment visitor center. Doors open at 12:30, seating is limited.
Lorén M. Spears, enrolled Narragansett Tribal citizen and Executive Director of Tomaquag Museum, holds a Master’s in Education and received a Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa, from the University of Rhode Island for her dedicated work. She is an author, artist, and curator.
She founded Nuweetooun School & the Indigenous Empowerment Center. Spears is a contributing author of the book From Slaves to Soldiers: The 1st Rhode Island Regiment in the American Revolution, with Robert Geake.
Leave a Reply