The War of 1812 | Blacks in the War

Black men, including many refugee slaves seeking freedom, served with the British Army and Navy during the War. After the war, many of these men were resettled to Nova Scotia, and to Trinidad, where the 'Merican community still exists today.

This documentary shows how the glories of war become enshrined in history. How failures are quickly forgotten and how inconvenient truths are ignored forever. With stunning reenactments, evocative animation and the incisive commentary of key experts, The War of 1812 presents the strange and awkward conflict that shaped the destiny of a continent.

This WNED PBS production premiered in October 2011.

The War of 1812 has been made possible by a major grant from The National Endowment for the Humanities: Because democracy demands wisdom. With funding provided by The Wilson Foundation, Warren and Barbara Goldring, The Corporation for Public Broadcasting: A private corporation funded by the American people. The Arthur Vining Davis Foundations: Dedicated to strengthening America’s future through education. Phil Lind. The Annenberg Foundation. With additional support from these funders. The Baird Foundation, Niagara Falls Bridge Commission and Jackman Foundation.

[Trobiz]

Most of us War Refugee descendants are still here in large numbers. Of about 2000 that came to Nova Scotia, only Africville was one of the Settlements. Due to government neglect and racism, It was demolished in 1969. North Preston, Hammond Plains, Beechville and the North End still have large concentrations of American War Refugee descendants to date. Many of our ancestors starved and froze to death upon arrival. William Brown was the first purchaser of land in Africville. He is the son of slaves Mary and Perry Brown who arrived from Chesapeake Bay in 1815.

[tammarrahlee]

I am a direct descendant of the African Refugees of the War of 1812 who settled in the Preston area of Halifax, Nova Scotia. After residing there for three generations, my ancestors resettled in Portland, Maine, and in Boston, Massachusetts.

[naythanyel]

I am a decedent of slaves who fought for Britain in 1812. I am proud of my ancestors bravery.

[martinphilip]

Many slaves who came over to the British had intimate knowledge of the local waters. Plus, they were comfortable traveling at night knowing the whereabouts of local militia and authority and how to evade them. This made them a valuable commodity and they would often give their services in exchange for them getting their families out. Many runaway slaves didn’t stop until they reached the safety of Canada.