WILMINGTON — At the corner of Grace and Third streets, the City of Wilmington Commission on African American History unveiled a new historical marker for Zachariah Jacobs on Thursday. Jacobs was one of 460 men of color who fought during the Revolutionary War.
“His significance in history goes beyond what we typically learn in history books. He represents the story of American history through the lenses of African Americans and Native Americans. He proudly served his country in its fight for independence,” Jacob’s great grandson Kevin Graham said at the ceremony.
Jacobs’ descendants, varied dignitaries, representatives from the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, local historians, elected officials, and the City of Wilmington’s Commission on African American History was part of the marker’s unveiling.
Only the second person of color who fought in the Revolutionary War to have a historical marker erected statewide, Jacobs was drafted into the Bladen County Regiment of the North Carolina Militia in 1778. Three years later, he reenlisted for a nine-month term.
Jacobs fought many battles across the South, including at Brier Creek, Guilford Courthouse, and Ashley River. He was wounded at the Battle of Guilford Courthouse in March 1781 and on his way home was captured by Loyalist soldiers for almost two weeks before released.
The Patriot soldier then became part of the North Carolina Regiment of the Continental Line, stationed near Charleston, South Carolina. Jacobs helped disrupt British military supply lines. Thereafter, he marched to Wilmington and was discharged from the military in 1782.
Originally born in the Brunswick and New Hanover counties area, into a free family of color, Jacobs lived a long life. He died at age 94 in 1847 in the Long Creek area — today located in Pender County.
“His perseverance through multiple enlistments, wounds, captivity, and eventual recognition reflects the broader struggle for liberty that defined the era,” the Natural and Cultural Resources department, which manages the historical marker program, denotes. “Jacobs’ life serves as a testament to the diverse individuals who fought for independence and whose sacrifices helped shape the foundation of the United States.”
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