Few events shaped the course of history so significantly as the Revolutionary War. Colonial America’s struggle for independence affected the country and the world in ways that can still be felt today.
Most people know the basics of the conflict; however, some Revolutionary War facts have been obscured by time. These fun facts give greater insight into the American War for Independence.
Revolutionary Technology
When you think about the Revolutionary War, technological innovations likely aren’t the first thing that come to mind. However, it was during the Thirteen Colonies’ fight for independence that the world’s first submarine attack took place.
The American Turtle, a submersible vessel shaped rather like a giant acorn, was constructed in 1775 by David Bushnell. The seven-and-a-half-foot long pod was used in a 1776 attempt to attach explosives to the hull of the British flagship Eagle, which was docked in New York Harbor.
The Turtle was successful in approaching the ship unnoticed; however, the operator’s tools were unable to breach the ship’s layer of iron. The bomb exploded nearby, causing no harm to its target. Subsequent attempts had similar results.
A good first attempt—but perhaps the American revolutionaries were a bit ahead of their time.
Early Espionage
Spies were used extensively during the Revolutionary War. Some of the earliest patriot victories can be attributed to their work. The Revolutionary War’s espionage tactics were sophisticated and included invisible ink, ciphers, and code names.
Among the spy networks used, the Culper Ring was perhaps the most elite and the most secretive. In fact, its existence wasn’t public knowledge until the 1930s, over 150 years later. A fun fact—General George Washington’s code name in the Culper Ring was Agent 711.
The Culper Ring supplied information on troop positions, plans, supplies, and much more. Today, the identity of most Culper agents is known; however, the identity of Agent 355, a female spy in the Culper Ring, remains a mystery.
An International Conflict
It’s fairly well known that the French supported Colonial America in the Revolutionary War. In fact, the war would likely have been impossible for the United States to win without their support. The French provided the patriots with cash, weapons, ammunition, and troops.
However, it wasn’t just the French military that became involved in the American Revolution. Spain, a prominent French ally, and the Netherlands, an important trading partner, also aided the Thirteen Colonies’ fight for independence.
Diversity in the Ranks
Thousands of African Americans participated in the Revolutionary War—on both sides of the conflict. Many were enslaved people who were promised their freedom at the end of the war. Inspired by the promise of liberty, African Americans enlisted in the continental army.
These men served in the battlefield, in the navy, and in noncombatant roles such as cooks, wagoners, and artisans. African American war hero Agrippa Hull was an orderly for General John Patterson and was present for the surrender at Saratoga. He spent the remainder of the war constructing defenses at West Point.
Colonial women were also involved in the war effort and regularly served the continental armies as cooks, nurses, and seamstresses. At times, these women were also given the opportunity to fight.
One woman, Mary Ludwig Hayes, carried water to and from the battle field–and, as legend states, took her husband’s place at an artillery canon to fire at British troops during the Battle of Monmouth. Because of her actions, she is commonly believed to be the inspiration behind “Molly Pitcher”. Another woman, Anna Maria Lane, disguised herself as a man and joined the continental army.
The Revolutionary War and You
If your ancestry traces back to Colonial America, it’s likely that this turning point in history may also be a part of your family’s legacy. FamilySearch has hundreds of thousands of records that can help you find your ancestors in the American Revolution and learn their stories.
If you know of an ancestor living in the continental United States during the Revolutionary War, type his or her name in the search form below. You never know what you might find!
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This was a very interesting article. I plan to share some of the details with my grandchildren on the holiday. I had ancesotrs living in New England states during this period of time but do not know their history well enough to know if they were involved in the war or not. Family tradition tells of my husband’s ancestors being involved.
J
FamilySearch is a godsend! You are doing an awesome job for us! Thank you!
Jean or John Lamb (French) lived in the wilderness which was part of Massachusetts (now Maine) during the revolutionary war. Also, Pierre Boucher and Treffle Bolduc.
Thank you
Is it possible that there are records of the Loyalists who fought in the American Revolution on the British side? I see officers listed but not lower ranks. I’m trying to find an ancestor who we believe was from Scotland and moved to Nova Scotia after the war.
Dear Laurie Bradshaw – I applaud your effort to teach American History but I am distressed that you have some incorrect information – Mary Ludwig Hays was one of many Molly Pitchers at the Battle of Monmouth. The name Molly Pitcher was a generic term invented by a newspaper reporter in New York after the battle to describe the women who tended the men during that day long battle when the temperature reach 100 degrees and more died from the heat than bullets. Molly was a term applied to any woman and pitcher referred to the water they carried. Men suffering from the heat would call out Molly (bring your) pitcher. The woman who took over firing her husband’s canon was Molly (Margaret) Corbin during the Battle of Fort Washington (1776). She was wounded and awarded a military pension. The woman (only one) who disguised herself as a man to join the Continental Army was Deborah Sampson from Massachusetts. She was wounded (1782)and awarded a military pension. I hope you give these heroic women their proper recognition.
Roxanne, thank you for your comment! I’ve clarified some things based on your response.
However, According to Encyclopedia Britannica, Mary Ludwig Hayes was the ‘original’ Molly Pitcher–that is, the woman who inspired the legend. She requested a widow’s pension, but was instead given an annual pension of $40 from the Pennsylvanian government “For services rendered”. Legend does state that when her husband was injured, she took his post at the cannon.
Additionally, there were multiple women who disguised themselves as men to get into the army! Deborah Sampson was one such woman, but Anna Maria Lane also dressed as a man to accompany her husband on the battlefield. She also received a military pension of $100/year. Sally St. Clair is another example, although she is lesser-known because she died in the line of duty.
Thank you for your interest in my article and to historical accuracy! We would have included more of these stories if we had the means.