Town Of Cortlandt: Black History Month- Monument To First Rhode Island Regiment

Press release from the Town of Cortlandt:

February 08, 2022

Every Tuesday in the month of Feburary, we will be highlighting different locations in Westchester that honor Black History Month.

Today, we highlight the Monument to First Rhode Island Regiment. "Erected in 1982 as a result of the pioneering research and activism of John H. Harmon, this monument is dedicated to the valiant and courageous soldiers of the First Rhode Island Regiment, which was composed predominantly of enslaved African American soldiers who had enlisted in the American Continental Army to earn their freedom. During the American Revolution, these men fought courageously to defend American liberty against the aggressions of British tyranny. Several dozen soldiers of the regiment were killed and wounded at the Battle of Pines Bridge in Yorktown on May 14, 1781."

Please visit www.visitwestchesterny.com/things-to-do/history/african-american-history/ for more information.

This press release was produced by the Town of Cortlandt. The views expressed here are the author’s own.