Black Loyalists: Fighting for Freedom

Hampton Roads played a vital role in America’s founding. This series highlights the people and institutions from our region that helped shape who we were in 1776, and who we’d become 250 years later. Featuring patriots of diverse backgrounds, who have often been omitted from our history books, their bold contributions were immeasurable in igniting a revolution that reshaped the world.

Season 1 Episode 8 | 3m 20s | CC

In 1776, hundreds of formerly enslaved men joined Lord Dunmore’s British forces on Gwynn’s Island, seeking freedom through war. Stricken by smallpox and starvation, they endured fierce cannon fire from Patriot troops under General Andrew Lewis. The British were forced to retreat, making a pivotal turn in the conflict and a huge moment in Virginia’s Revolutionary War history.

Revolution 250: Stories From The First Shore