Federal Publications on African Americans in the American Revolution

These federal publications provide valuable insights into the experiences and contributions of African Americans during the American Revolutionary War. While the Revolution is often described through well-known leaders and major battles, these resources document the roles African Americans played through their labor, service, and presence during the war.

Several of the publications highlighted here have a direct connection to South Carolina. Federal resources related to Ninety Six National Historic Site and Kings Mountain acknowledge the labor of enslaved people and the participation of free African American men in military efforts during the war. Additional federal publications and Library of Congress resources highlight individuals such as Crispus Attucks and Phillis Wheatley.

To learn more, explore the National Park Service podcast “Southern War”, which features park rangers and HBCU interns discussing Revolutionary War battles and historical interpretation. Episode 6 of “The HBCU Internship Program with Cassie Chandler” discusses the Battle of Cowpens and its artistic depictions, including the portrait “The Battle of Cowpens” by William T. Ranney, which features an unnamed African American person. These conversations offer engaging and accessible ways to connect with this history.
 

Federal Documents

Image of Ninety Six National Historic Site, South Carolina map.

Ninety Six National Historic Site, South Carolina

U.S. Department of the Interior

This visitor map provides historical context that acknowledges the contributions and hardships of enslaved people at Ninety Six, who were compelled to help construct the community’s defenses during the American Revolution.

View in Catalog

Image of Kings Mountain Official Map and Guide.

Kings Mountain Official Map and Guide

U.S. Department of the Interior

This visitor's guide highlights African Americans who were present during the fight for independence at Kings Mountain, including free men like Essius Bowman, who helped pursue Major Ferguson, a British Army officer, in October 1780.

View in Catalog

Cover of Liberty - Junior Ranger: Activity Book

Liberty - Junior Ranger: Activity Book

U.S. Department of the Interior

This junior ranger activity book features games, puzzles, and learning activities about Boston National Historical Park, the Freedom Trail, and life in colonial Boston. It highlights influential figures such as Crispus Attucks and Phillis Wheatley, inviting young learners to reflect on their roles and the impact of African Americans during the American Revolution.

View in Catalog

Cover of The Canadian Campaign, 1775-1776.

The Canadian Campaign, 1775-1776

Center of Military History, United States Army

: This book examines the early months of the American Revolution, during which colonial militia surrounded British forces in Boston and captured key forts in the Lake Champlain region. Readers learn how these bold actions helped set the stage for the Patriot struggle for independence. The book also highlights African American soldiers who served in the Northern Army despite varied colonial laws and fears about slavery, with some gaining freedom through their service. In contrast, others continued to be denied it. Together, these stories reveal both the military efforts and the diverse people who contributed to America’s fight for liberty.

View in Catalog

Cover of The African American Odyssey.

The African American Odyssey

Library of Congress

This book highlights rare and significant materials from the Library of Congress’s African American collections, offering a deep look into Black history through documents, manuscripts, and published works. It features resources that explore the lives, contributions, and experiences of African Americans during the American Revolution and beyond. Readers can discover historical items that reveal both the struggle for freedom and the vital role African Americans played in shaping the nation’s early story.

View in Catalog

Cover of For the Dignity of Humanity: 2nd Annual Commemoration of Black History, February 1979.

For the Dignity of Humanity: 2nd Annual Commemoration of Black History, February 1979

U.S. Department of Commerce

Presents short biographies and historical information about notable African Americans whose contributions shaped the nation’s development, accompanied by illustrations and educational features. The book also includes a section on the American Revolution that highlights Crispus Attucks and his important role in the events leading to the fight for independence.

View in Catalog

Cover of American Women: A Library of Congress Guide for the Study of Women's History and Culture in the United States.

American Women: A Library of Congress Guide for the Study of Women's History and Culture in the United States

Library of Congress

Introduces researchers to diverse Library of Congress resources on American women’s history and culture, including materials related to early figures such as Phillis Wheatley, a pioneering Black poet of the Revolutionary era.

View in Catalog

Cover of The War of the American Revolution.

The War of the American Revolution

Center of Military History, United States Army

Presents a clear overview of the American Revolution with narrative history, chronology, and recommended sources for further study. The book also addresses discussions in South Carolina about enlisting enslaved people, offering insight into the experiences and challenges African Americans faced during the war.

View in Catalog

Cover of The African-American Mosaic: A Library of Congress Resource Guide for the Study of Black History and Culture.

The African-American Mosaic: A Library of Congress Resource Guide for the Study of Black History and Culture

Library of Congress

This book highlights materials from the Library of Congress documenting African American life through government documents, manuscripts, books, photographs, and maps. It examines African American experiences in areas such as slavery, culture, military service, and civil rights, with particular emphasis on African American contributions and services during the Revolutionary War using primary source materials.

View in Catalog

Upcoming Event

Douglas Day Flyer.

Douglass Day 2026

February 13, 2026, 11:00 AM

Douglass Day is an annual program that marks the birth of Frederick Douglass. Each year, thousands of people gather to help create new & freely available resources for learning about Black history. Join the South Carolina State Library at the South Carolina State Museum's fourth annual celebration.

This Week