Smithsonian Magazine · People & society

Revolutionary War Soldiers Identified from Unmarked Grave

Historians have identified 33 soldiers buried in an unmarked grave in Wilmington, Delaware, who died during the American Revolution, nearly 250 years after their deaths.

The remains of at least 66 soldiers, including 28 from Rhode Island and 5 British officers, were discovered. Researchers used historical documents to identify the soldiers, whose remains were later moved.

The British soldiers died from injuries at the Battle of Brandywine on September 11, 1777. Following their victory, a hospital was set up in Wilmington for the wounded, and those who died were buried at the site.

A conservative estimate suggested 38 British soldier deaths among 488 wounded treated in Wilmington, though researchers believe the number is higher.

The Rhode Island soldiers died of smallpox between December 1781 and January 1782, after fighting at the Battle of Yorktown. Some were treated at a Wilmington hospital.

Among the identified Rhode Island soldiers were 10 free Black men and 4 enslaved laborers. Rhode Island had allowed enslaved men to enlist for freedom.

The identification and memorialization of these soldiers were celebrated at a ceremony attended by descendants and representatives from the U.S. and UK.

The ceremony symbolized a joint recognition of the sacrifices made by soldiers on both sides of the conflict.

AI-samenvatting op basis van de bron.