African American Revolutionary War Veteran James Robinson To Be Honored In Special Ceremony

Robinson’s grave site with added medals commemorating his service during the American Revolution and War of 1812.
Credit: usatoday

Fans of military and American history will certainly enjoy this story. Pvt. James Robinson, a man born into slavery, will finally be properly honored for his military service 151 years after his death. The ceremony will take place June 22 at the Elmwood Cemetery in Detroit.

Members from two lineage societies concerned with historic wars will give military funeral honors to Robinson and will unveil a unique grave marker. Robinson served during both the American Revolutionary War and the War of 1812. Most notably, he participated in the Battles of Yorktown (Revolutionary War) and New Orleans (War of 1812).

He’s one of countless African Americans who served in wars during the early years of this country who were not honored properly when they died.

“Over 5,000 African Americans served in the Revolutionary War, and Robinson is one of the most consequential figures of the period,” said Elijah Shalis, secretary of the Michigan Society Sons of the American Revolution. “He deserved this honor 151 years ago for his service to his country.”

A Remarkable Man

James Robinson was born into slavery in 1753 in Maryland. He eventually served in a light infantry unit after the Revolutionary War broke out in 1775, according to Shalis.

Many slaves were enlisted to fight
for the American cause.
Credit: nps.gov

During the Siege of Yorktown, Robinson fought and killed three men and helped to take over a British rampart. Yorktown culminated with the British surrendering. He also previously fought during the Battle of Brandywine. French General and strong colonial ally Marquis de Lafayette actually awarded Robinson a Gold Medal of Valor.

James Robinson had been promised freedom following his service to the newly formed nation. Unfortunately, this did not happen. He remained a slave and was sold in Louisiana. He subsequently fought in the Battle of New Orleans during the War of 1812.

Robinson eventually acquired a license to preach as a Methodist minister by the 1820s following his military service. It’s not clear when James Robinson achieved his freedom. U.S. Census records have him living as a free man in the 1840s and 50s in Ohio. The 1860 census places him in Detroit. He was known as the last living African American Revolutionary War veteran when he died at the astonishing age of 115 in 1868.

A Lasting Legacy

Undoubtedly many African Americans who were both veterans and either free men or slaves during the early days of the United States have been lost to history. There is an effort to construct a National Liberty Memorial in Washington, D.C. Its aim is to honor African Americans involved in the Revolutionary War.

Elijah Shalis of the Michigan Society Sons of the
American Revolution touches James Robinson’s
grave marker.
Credit: usatoday.com

“James Robinson … was indicative of the kind of spirit we want to inject in this memorial,” said Maurice Barboza, CEO of National Mall Liberty Fund DC which is spearheading the initiative. “It’s heroism, but it’s also incredible doggedness. Nothing destroyed his spirit. He must have been one extraordinary human being to have endured what he did…Following the Revolutionary War, people weren’t thinking about freedom or liberty,” he continued. “They were thinking about building the country, and to continue to do so with the slave labor that they had.”

This month, Robinson will finally receive the recognition he should have gotten when he died. The Michigan Society Sons of the American Revolution and the Michigan Society of the War of 1812 have purchased and affixed near James Robinson’s gravesite two bronze emblems that represent the two wars he fought in. A special grave marker will be dedicated during the ceremony on June 22. A sword salute and possible 21-gun salute are planned. Sadly, Robinson’s last living relative died in the 1980s.

It’s fantastic that people have taken it upon themselves to rightfully honor a man who helped to form the United States. It’s also a stark reminder of how this country was built.

“America was only founded because everybody was involved,” said Shalis, “not just old white men, like a lot of people think about when they think about the American Revolution. Without every single segment of society that was involved, it wouldn’t have been possible.”