The Black Patriots of New Hampshire
6/3/2026 | 1m 17sVideo has Closed Captions
Learn about Jude Hall and the service and sacrifice of New Hampshire’s Black Patriots.
More than 200 Black men from New Hampshire fought for American independence, many while still enslaved. This powerful story highlights Jude Hall’s service, sacrifice, and the long-overdue recognition of New Hampshire’s Black Patriots.
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
Granite State History Minute is a local public television program presented by NHPBS
The Black Patriots of New Hampshire
6/3/2026 | 1m 17sVideo has Closed Captions
More than 200 Black men from New Hampshire fought for American independence, many while still enslaved. This powerful story highlights Jude Hall’s service, sacrifice, and the long-overdue recognition of New Hampshire’s Black Patriots.
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
How to Watch Granite State History Minute
Granite State History Minute is available to stream on pbs.org and the free PBS App, available on iPhone, Apple TV, Android TV, Android smartphones, Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire Tablet, Roku, Samsung Smart TV, LG TV, and Vizio.
Providing Support for PBS.org
Learn Moreabout PBS online sponsorshipDuring the Revolutionary War, over 200 black men from New Hampshire fought in the Continental Army.
Most of these men were enslaved when the war broke out, and they fought not only for their country's independence, but also for their own freedom.
Among them were Prince Whipple of Portsmouth, Samson Battis of Canterbury, and Ichabod Twilight of Warner.
Jude Hall was born enslaved in Kensington.
He enlisted and fought throughout the entire war, participating at the Battle of Bunker Hill and Monmouth.
When the war was over, he married and settled in Exeter, raising a large family with his wife, Rhoda.
His hard earned freedom wasn't enough to protect his children.
Three of his four sons were kidnaped and enslaved while at sea and never returned home.
Jude Hall was buried in an unmarked grave in the Winter Street Cemetery in Exeter.
Years later, a descendant of his enslaver placed a stone on the likely spot.
In 2024, the DAR placed a plaque in the same cemetery dedicated to Jude Hall and the other black patriots, honoring the courage and sacrifice of these men.
Support for PBS provided by:
Granite State History Minute is a local public television program presented by NHPBS