

Unlikely Hero: James Armistead Lafayette
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.
Unlikely Hero: James Armistead Lafayette
Season 1 Episode 9 | 7m 9s | CC
James Armistead Lafayette, an enslaved man turned double agent, risked his life to spy on the British, delivering crucial intelligence to the Marquis de Lafayette that led to victory at Yorktown. His bravery earned him freedom, a pension, and enduring recognition as one of America’s unsung Revolutionary heroes.







