History will march back to life on May 2nd, when the community will gather in Yorktown Heights to commemorate The Battle of Pines Bridge, a brief, bloody clash that represented a loss for Continental forces.
This skirmish was also significant for another reason: Most of the soldiers claimed that day were members of Colonel Christopher Green’s Rhode Island Regiment, a mixed fighting unit whose ranks included formerly enslaved African Americans and Native Americans. Such a diverse company was not common until the U.S. military integrated nearly two centuries later.
This day of remembrance serves as a tribute to this legendary regiment who stood their ground against British forces on May 14, 1781.
“What sets this battle apart is the men who fought there. This included a Black regiment made up of both free and enslaved men, alongside Indigenous soldiers, all of whom stood in the fight for a country that did not yet fully recognize them,” said historian Joyce Cole.
To honor the struggle, and the lives lost, the Yorktown Historical Society, Town of Yorktown and Revolutionary Westchester 250 are cohosting a living history event that will include a diverse group of reenactors from Living History Co. The day’s activities includes a reenactment of the battle, a replica of a Revolutionary War Soldiers Encampment, live European and African music, a parade lead by the Young Colonials Jr. Ancient Fife and Drum Corps, a heroic retelling by renowned storyteller Jonathan Kruk, a dedication of a new Revolutionary War monument, a wreath laying, and much more. The free event is an immersive journey into the 18th century!
“The goal of RW250 from day one has been to highlight both the well-known and the lesser-known people, events and places that make up (Revolutionary War) history,” said RW250 president Constance Kehoe.
One day earlier, on May 1st at 7 p.m., Dr. Shirley L. Green, author of Revolutionary Blacks, will appear at Albert A. Capellini Community & Cultural Center to discuss the fascinating history of the Frank Brothers, free men of color, who served in the Rhode Island Regiment.
May 2nd Event Schedule:
10 a.m.: Opening Ceremony & Monument Dedication at The Veteran Memorials Circle
11 a.m.: Parade to Railroad Park featuring Young Colonials Junior Ancient Fife & Drum Corps
Noon: Rededication of the Pines Bridge Monument, Wreath Laying, Dedication of DAR America 250! Patriot Plaque, Storytelling with Jonathan Kruk, 18th Century Artisans and Local Vendors.
2 p.m.: Battle of Pines Bridge Reenactment at encampment grounds
3 p.m.: Storytelling with Jonathan Kruk
Admission is free, and the day offers a rare chance for families and history buffs to imagine the smoke of the muskets and the heartbeat of the revolution.
For additional information about this event, sponsorship opportunities, or local vendor tables, visit yorktownny.gov/the-battle-of-pines-bridge.
