During the American Revolution thousands of former
slaves joined the British as both labour and combat forces including
the Black Pioneers. Following the Revolution many former slaves
migrated to Canada. Some came with white loyalists as part of their
households. Others who had taken part in the conflict came as Black
loyalists to collect on their promised freedom and
Battle re-enactment
photo Courtesy of Battlefield House Museum
Stoney Creek, Ontario
land.
War
of 1812
In 1812 many black settlers helped to defend their
new country. In the Niagara region “The Company of Coloured
Men” was formed under Capt. Robert Runchey. Many individuals
of African descent joined non-segregated units such as the Glengarry
Light Infantry. Many saw action with the 104th Regiment of Foot
in the Niagara region.
The War of 1812
Image Courtesy of Parks Canada
Click here to
see List of Black Soldiers - Rebellion of 1838 (List provided by
the North American Black Historical Museum)
Upper
Canada Rebellions
The Upper Canada Rebellions (1837 – 1839) once
again brought armed conflict to the Windsor region. By 1837 the
numbers of African Canadian settlers had grown and they remained
steadfastly loyal to the Crown. In December of that year additional
black units
were raised. Near Chatham, a First and a Second Coloured Company
were mustered. In
The Library & Archives
of Canada/Charles Beauclerk, N. Hartnell & A. Flint/C-000395
Windsor, Josiah Henson commanded a company of volunteers
linked with the Essex Militia. This unit of volunteers
took part in the capture of the rebel
schooner Anne and helped defend Fort Malden. Fifty African Canadian
volunteers helped defend Windsor from attack in 1838.
Click here to see List of Black Soldiers - Rebellion of 1838 (List
provided by the North American Black Historical Museum)
American
Civil War
In the 1850’s African Canadians began to receive
military honours for their service. The first African-Canadian
to receive the Victoria Cross was William Edward Hall of Nova Scotia
in recognition for accomplishments in India. During the American
Civil War many African Canadians joined the Union Army. Recruiter
Martin Robison
29th Regiment from Connecticut at Beaufort, S.C.,
1864. Attributed to Sam A. Cooley. Photo Courtesy of the Library
of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division
LC-B82201-341 (4-5)
Delany of Chatham became the first black commissioned
officer in America. Delany received assistance in his efforts from
Mary Ann Shadd Cary also of Chatham. Cary was the only woman during
the Civil War to be a recruitment officer.