#United States #Wilmington #Revolutionary War #African American Patriots #Wilmington Memorial

Commemorating Heroes: Wilmington's Revolutionary War Memorial

On September 23, 2026, the City of Wilmington unveiled a poignant memorial dedicated to the memory of at least 66 Revolutionary War soldiers. This memorial, located at the historic Wilmington-Brandywine Cemetery, acknowledges soldiers buried in a mass grave, ensuring their stories and sacrifices are not forgotten. Among those honored are 14 African American members of the Rhode Island Regiment, including Private Caesar Rose. His descendant, Jason Roomes, made the journey from Rhode Island to participate in this historical event, signifying the deep familial ties to the legacy of these brave individuals.

The mass grave represents a crucial piece of U.S. history, containing the remains of soldiers from different backgrounds and circumstances. The site includes both British soldiers who fell during the Battle of Brandywine in 1777 and members of the Rhode Island Regiment who succumbed to smallpox in Wilmington after the pivotal Battle of Yorktown in 1781 and 1782. Remarkably, historical research has identified 33 of these soldiers, shedding light on the often-overlooked contributions of individuals who fought for American independence.

Half of the Rhode Island soldiers buried here were African American, a testament to the diverse backgrounds of those who fought for liberty at a time when the promise of freedom often excluded them. Ten of these men were free, while four enlisted while enslaved. Their service is particularly noteworthy, as the Rhode Island Regiment included one of the largest contingents of African American soldiers in the Continental Army. For many, military service represented a pathway to freedom, fighting alongside white and Indigenous soldiers during the birth of a nation.

The dedication ceremony was part of Wilmington's commemoration of the 250th anniversary of American independence, bringing together dignitaries from Delaware, Rhode Island, and the United Kingdom. Wilmington Mayor John Carney and other officials emphasized the importance of recognizing the memory of these soldiers. For nearly 250 years, their sacrifices remained unrecognized, their stories obscured. Mayor Carney poignantly stated, "Today, that changes as we dedicate a permanent memorial on this hallowed ground in their honor."

Historically, these soldiers were buried in Wilmington's Poor and Strangers Burial Ground, a potter's field from the 18th century. Over time, as the city expanded, the remains were transferred to the mass grave at Wilmington-Brandywine Cemetery. The dedication of this memorial serves not only as a tribute to those soldiers but also as a reminder of the ongoing journey towards recognizing all individuals who fought for freedom.

Among the names commemorated is Lieutenant Adam Drummond, an officer in the British 33rd Regiment of Foot, who died on September 21, 1777, after being wounded at Brandywine, alongside Private Rose, who played a role in significant battles, including Yorktown, before falling victim to smallpox in Wilmington.

The ceremony included the reading of the names of the identified soldiers, the presentation of colors, and the national anthems of the United Kingdom and the United States, culminating in a musket salute and the playing of