Celebration of Unknown Heroes of Revolutionary War at Freedom Plaza in DC
Summary
A new exhibition at Freedom Plaza in Washington, D.C., honors lesser-known heroes of the American Revolutionary War, including Caesar Rodney and Salem Poor. Rodney made an important overnight horseback ride to help secure independence, and Poor was a Black soldier praised for bravery during key battles.Key Facts
- Caesar Rodney rode 80 miles overnight from Delaware to Philadelphia in 1776 to break a voting tie for independence.
- Rodney’s statue was moved to Washington, D.C., after being removed from Wilmington due to his history as a slave owner.
- Freedom Plaza features bronze statues of 12 Revolutionary War soldiers representing diverse backgrounds.
- The plaza also honors thousands of Americans who died on British prison ships, including over 11,500 on the HMS Jersey.
- Salem Poor, born into slavery, bought his freedom and fought bravely at the Battle of Bunker Hill and other key campaigns.
- More than 8,000 Black Americans served in the Revolutionary War in various military roles.
- Black soldiers served an average of eight times longer than white soldiers during the war.
- The exhibition celebrates the 250th anniversary of the United States with stories of overlooked patriots.
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