Monument to First Rhode Island Regiment facts for kids
Monument to the 1st Rhode Island Regiment
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| Coordinates | 41°17′39.24″N 73°48′31.86″W / 41.2942333°N 73.8088500°W |
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| Location | 2880 Crompound Road, Yorktown Heights, New York |
The Monument to the 1st Rhode Island Regiment in Yorktown Heights, New York, honors a very special group of soldiers. This monument was put up on May 13, 1982. It stands on the grounds of the First Presbyterian Church.
A man named John H. Harmon helped make this monument happen. He was an African American historian and a leader in his community. He started the Afro-American Cultural Foundation in 1969. This monument is one of the important things his foundation created.
Remembering Brave Soldiers
The monument has a plaque that tells about the brave soldiers of the Revolutionary War. This unit was called the 1st Rhode Island Regiment. Many of its soldiers were Black. They fought on May 14, 1781, led by Colonel Christopher Greene.
Out of 225 soldiers, 140 were Black. This was the largest number of Black soldiers in any army unit at that time. They fought in a battle known as the Battle of Pine's Bridge.
For a long time, only two white officers and a guide who died in this battle were remembered. A plaque was put up for them in 1900. But the bravery and deaths of more than 40 Black soldiers were not recognized. This monument finally honored their fight for America's freedom.
A Trail of History
In 2004, this monument became part of the African American Heritage Trail of Westchester County. This trail helps remember and share the amazing things African Americans have done. It shows how they helped build America's unique identity.
The monument is one of only 14 special places on this trail. The Afro-American Cultural Foundation of Westchester County helped make it happen. The Rhode Island Black Heritage Society also supported the monument.
