November 9, 2025
Campbell’s story was comparatively unknown till data of land request had been discovered.
A Black Revolutionary Struggle hero is lastly receiving his due recognition with a historic plaque in West Michigan.
The story of Thomas Campbell will not be broadly recognized, however his efforts towards the liberty of his individuals and nation have now been revealed. Born round 1760 in Culpepper County, Virginia, the once-enslaved Campbell rose to change into a Struggle patriot and a determine of energy and dedication in U.S. historical past.
Campbell selected to hitch the Continental Military in 1776 to free himself from enslavement, changing into a horse handler for the military. In response to Arc West Michigan, he joined George Washington’s Military at White Marsh, New York. He subsequently grew to become positioned in Common Marquis de LaFayette’s division.
Simply a young person, Campbell endured a number of strenuous size of battle. This included the tough winter encampment at Valley Forge in 1778. The next summer season, he skilled extreme warmth stroke on the battle at Monmouth Courthouse. Regardless of barely surviving the battle, he recovered weeks later, discharged by a doctor for his ailing well being. He lived out his closing years at a farm within the Kalamazoo County, the place he owned 160 acres of land.
Now, he has historic marker on the Gilmore Automotive Museum close to his closing resting place in Hickory Corners, Michigan. A ceremony occurred Nov. 8 by the Joseph B. Westnedge chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution, paying tribute to Campbell’s contribution to the warfare effort.
“We got here to have a good time this American hero… He fought for his freedom, however he additionally fought for our nation’s liberty and freedom, and the group has had only a great outpouring of gratitude for him in addition to for all of the patriots,” Bob Craig, vp of the Michigan Society of the Sons of the American Revolution, mentioned. “Subsequent yr, America is celebrating its 250th anniversary on July 4 2026. 250 years. And it’s simply an unimaginable time, an unimaginable yr, and I believe a beautiful celebration.”
Campbell’s plaque unveiling was accompanied by a colour guard, wreath laying and 21-gun salute, all befitting the warfare hero’s legacy. The revelation of his service got here after the institution of one other historic plaque for a Black Revolutionary warfare hero, James Robinson. In response to Now Kalamazoo, Robinson obtained his personal recognition in Detroit in 2019. Nevertheless, Campbell’s identification remained unknown till a deeper investigation sparked.
Information of an authorized land grant, which helped Campbell and his household transfer to Hickory Corners, resulted within the reveal of his historic service. His legacy now sits amongst different Revolutionary warfare heroes, as his journey from enslavement to nationwide recognition stays celebrated.
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