Patriots of African Descent Monument

The monument honors the contributions of Black Americans in the American Revolution.

NPS Photo/G. Purifoy

Quick Facts

Location:

Route 23 in Valley Forge National Historical Park

Significance:

One of the newest Revolutionary War monuments in a National Park and the only site in the Northeast that honors African Americans’ contributions to the founding of our nation.

Designation:

Monument

Amenities

2 listed

Cellular Signal, Wheelchair Accessible

The Patriots of African Descent Monument at Valley Forge was erected and dedicated in 1993 through the efforts of the Valley Forge Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc, historian Charles L. Blockson, artist Cal Massey, sculptor Phil Sumpter, and the Michael Williams Stone and Bronze Memorial Marker Company.

The monument is one of the only such dedications to Black Patriots of the American Revolution on Federal land. Learn more about the history of the monument and the importance of foregrounding racially diverse histories of the American Revolution.

Learn more about Patriots of Color at Valley Forge.

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  Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. and the Patriots of African Descent Monument

  Paulette Jones and Deanna Shelton from Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. discuss how their Valley Forge Alumnae Chapter worked to raise funds and erect the Patriots of African Descent Monument at Valley Forge National Historical Park in order to raise awareness of the contributions of Black Patriots during the American Revolution.

  Duration:

  29 minutes, 10 seconds