James Armistead: The Unsung Hero Who Spied for American Freedom

When we think of American independence, names like George Washington and Thomas Jefferson often come to mind. However, countless unsung heroes contributed to the cause, one of the most remarkable being James Armistead. An enslaved man turned spy, Armistead played a crucial role in securing American victory during the Revolutionary War. His courage and intelligence helped shape the nation's future, yet his name remains lesser known. This Black History Month, we honor his incredible legacy.

A Life of Enslavement and Opportunity

James Armistead was born into slavery in Virginia around 1748. Owned by William Armistead, he lived under the harsh conditions of enslavement. However, when the Revolutionary War broke out, James saw an opportunity to support the American cause and, perhaps, change his own destiny. In 1781, with the permission of his enslaver, he joined the patriot forces under the command of the Marquis de Lafayette, a French general assisting the American revolutionaries.

Unlike many African Americans who enlisted as soldiers, Armistead was assigned a unique and dangerous mission—espionage. Lafayette recognized his intelligence and sent him to infiltrate British camps as a spy.

A Master of Deception

Armistead gained access to British forces by posing as a runaway enslaved person seeking refuge with the Redcoats. He successfully earned the trust of British officers, including General Charles Cornwallis and the infamous traitor Benedict Arnold. Cornwallis, believing Armistead to be loyal to the British cause, assigned him as a servant, giving him direct access to military conversations and battle plans.

Using his position, Armistead skillfully gathered intelligence about British troop movements, strategies, and supply routes. He then relayed this critical information back to Lafayette and American forces, sometimes through written reports and other times by memorizing details and delivering them in person. His ability to deceive the British made him an invaluable asset to the revolutionary cause.

Turning the Tide at Yorktown

Armistead’s espionage efforts were instrumental in the American victory at the Battle of Yorktown, the final major engagement of the Revolutionary War. His reports allowed Lafayette and General George Washington to anticipate Cornwallis’s moves and plan a successful siege against British forces.

With the intelligence provided by Armistead, American and French troops trapped Cornwallis and his army in Yorktown, cutting off their escape and forcing their surrender in October 1781. This decisive victory effectively ended the war and secured America’s independence. Without Armistead’s daring espionage, the outcome of Yorktown—and possibly the war—might have been different.

Fighting for Freedom

Despite his contributions to American independence, Armistead remained enslaved after the war. Unlike white soldiers who received recognition and compensation, enslaved men who served were often denied their freedom. However, Lafayette, recognizing Armistead’s immense contributions, wrote a letter to the Virginia legislature advocating for his emancipation.

Thanks to Lafayette’s support, Virginia granted Armistead his freedom in 1787. As a sign of gratitude, Armistead adopted the last name “Lafayette,” becoming James Armistead Lafayette. He later lived as a free man in Virginia, where he owned land and received a pension for his service.

A Legacy Worth Remembering

James Armistead Lafayette’s contributions to American independence remain one of the most extraordinary yet underrecognized stories of the Revolutionary War. His bravery and intelligence not only helped shape the outcome of the war but also proved that African Americans played a vital role in the nation’s founding.

This Black History Month, let us celebrate James Armistead Lafayette—a hero whose courage and sacrifice helped lay the foundation for freedom in America. His story serves as a reminder of the resilience, intelligence, and bravery of Black Americans throughout history.