Explore the Untold Story of the American Revolution: How New England and Virginia Joined Forces Against the British

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There’s More to That

A Smithsonian magazine special report

Exploring the narratives surrounding the events of 250 years ago from the perspective of enslaved Africans and Southern Colonists.

Ari Daniel – Host, “There’s More to That”

April 17, 2025, 7:00 a.m.

In April 1775, silversmith Paul Revere embarked on his famous midnight ride, warning revolutionaries of British troops advancing towards the colonies. This pivotal ride, followed by skirmishes at Lexington and Concord, catalyzed the American Revolution.

However, history extends beyond Revere’s ride to include the significant roles that enslaved Africans and Southern colonists played before and during the revolution. Host Ari Daniel engages with Nikki Stewart of Old North Illuminated and Smithsonian writer Andrew Lawler to delve into these often-overlooked narratives.

For those interested, a transcript is available below, as well as information on subscribing to “There’s More to That,” where past episodes cover diverse topics from a resurrected baseball field formerly a Japanese internment camp to recent developments in historical mysteries.

Ari Daniel: I’m in the North End, a historic and vibrant neighborhood in Boston.

Nikki Stewart: Yes, the North End has a distinctly European ambiance, with its charming brick homes, narrow streets, and bustling shops and eateries.

Daniel: I’m visiting with Nikki Stewart, the executive director of Old North Illuminated.

Stewart: Our organization oversees tourism, research, and preservation at Old North Church & Historic Site.

Daniel: I’m excited to explore Old North Church for the first time. The interior feels quite simple yet imbued with historical significance.

Stewart: Indeed, it symbolizes a key moment in history.

Daniel: This moment was a critical juncture just before the American Revolution, specifically relating to the steeple’s role.

Stewart: Would you like to climb to the steeple?

Daniel: Absolutely!

Stewart: Then let’s go.

We navigate narrow staircases until reaching a door into the bell chamber.

Stewart: Here’s a copy of the original Bell Ringers Guild agreement, and intriguing enough, Paul Revere was among the first bell ringers.

Daniel: On that fateful night of April 18, 1775, Revere had a pivotal mission.

Stewart: Colonial leaders anticipated that a revolution was imminent. British troops had two routes to embark on their mission towards Lexington and Concord: via land or boat. Revere needed to alert others about which route was chosen.

Daniel: To intercept the troops.

Stewart: Precisely. Revere planned to ride out but worried about being caught, so he arranged a signal from the steeple—hanging lanterns to indicate the troop’s route: one for land, two for sea. This signal was meant to inform Charlestown independently of Revere’s status.

Daniel: That’s why we’re here—to see where these lanterns were positioned, unveiling a blend of liberation and struggle.

From Smithsonian magazine and PRX Productions, this is “There’s More To That,” a podcast that explores crucial moments in history. Today, as we prepare to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the start of the Revolutionary War, we reflect on lesser-known insights into the quest for American independence.

Stewart: Now, I’ll open the trapdoor.

Daniel: It doesn’t look very accessible.

Stewart: Not at all.

We ascend further. At last, we reach the steeple, offering magnificent views of Boston’s skyline.

Stewart: Picture making this climb in the darkness, the fear palpable.

Daniel: This lantern-signal allowed others to rally support for the patriots before the teams clashed in Lexington and Concord.

Stewart: The battles represented a decisive moment, marking a point of no return.

Daniel: It was indeed the dawn of the Revolutionary War.

Stewart: The steeple has long been viewed as a symbol of freedom, but its narrative is more complex.

Stewart: Old North Church embodies the American story in many ways—while it’s a beacon of independence, its history is intertwined with the exploitation of enslaved labor. This raises critical questions about how history shapes our current understanding.

Daniel: Inside Old North, we find a vantage point from the balcony to discuss that pivotal night.

Stewart: This church, established in 1723, served as a parish for the Church of England in a predominantly Puritan Boston. Old North’s congregation, wealthy yet racially diverse, navigated the complexities of its historical context.

Daniel: Many supporters of the church were either slaveholders or economically benefitted from slavery. The rector’s focus on converting Black and Indigenous populations reflects the stark inequities of that time.

Stewart: It’s worth noting this was not a space of equity. Many congregants likely didn’t choose to be here, particularly among those enslaved. The North Gallery, where we’re sitting, was designated for Black and Indigenous worshipers, which often obscured their view of the altar and pulpit.

Daniel: Yet, this congregation provided opportunities for social connection.

Stewart: For enslaved individuals separated from family, church gatherings could offer treasurable moments to reunite.

As we approach the anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, this moment provides a chance to scrutinize history through a more critical lens. My approach, termed analytical patriotism, advocates for recognizing the complexities while finding sources of pride. The American Revolution embodies this paradox: not all benefited from the fight for freedom, making Old North a poignant symbol of that contrast.

Daniel: While focusing on Old North’s history connects to the journey to revolution, it’s important to remember it’s just part of the larger narrative.

Lawler: Ultimately, the success of the revolution hinged on the participation of Southern Colonies in a movement originally sparked in the North.

Daniel: This is Andrew Lawler, a contributor to Smithsonian and author of A Perfect Frenzy, detailing how the revolution resonated in the South.

Lawler: We often remember that the initial revolt began in New England—symbolized by the Boston Tea Party. This rebellious energy sparked a sequence of events leading to the confrontations in April 1775.

Daniel: In contrast, the Southern colonies were slower to react.

Lawler: Correct. The Southern economy, heavily reliant on agriculture rather than trade, had different stakes. Colonies like Virginia and South Carolina focused on cash crops, establishing a complex economic hope tied into the labor of enslaved Africans.

Daniel: They also had different connections to slavery compared to Northern colonies.

Lawler: Exactly, while enslaved people existed in the North, their roles were primarily domestic. In the South, however, they were crucial for agricultural production, leading to a significant enslaved population constituting a notable portion of society.

Daniel: How did the Southern colonies respond to the events at Lexington and Concord?

Lawler: They didn’t rebel immediately. Loyalty towards the crown remained strong, and the Southern colonies had distinct grievances related to westward expansion rather than taxation.

Daniel: What grievances were being discussed?

Lawler: Following the French and Indian War, Britain imposed restrictions on westward expansion, leading to resentment among colonists who felt entitled to the newly acquired lands.

This restriction understandably frustrated prominent figures like George Washington, who saw access to land as vital for affluence and status.

Daniel: Washington, initially hesitant to rally for rebellion, faced a conflict of interest given his relationships with the British administration.

Lawler: Correct, Washington was reluctant to take a stand in April 1775 due to his connections to the royal governor. He had too much to lose by opposing the British Empire directly.

Daniel: Tell me about Lord Dunmore and his role during this time.

Lawler: Lord Dunmore was appointed by King George III to Virginia, where he initially thrived but soon faced mounting pressures from both the patriot and enslaved populations amid growing tensions. His decisions became critical in the unfolding drama.

Daniel: What actions did Dunmore take in response to threats from patriot forces?

Lawler: As political tensions escalated, Dunmore had to navigate between retaining control for the crown and quelling unrest from colonists who were eager to arm themselves amidst fears of slave insurrections.

Daniel: What led Dunmore to act against the patriots?

Lawler: Following the famous moments of revolutionary fervor in Richmond, Dunmore’s grip on power weakened, compelling him to act to maintain control over military supplies and arms.

His quest for weaponry culminated in a highly publicized gunpowder theft, which failed to achieve its aims and inflamed tensions further. This ignited a series of confrontations that tested loyalties, prompting different responses from both enslaved and free people.

Daniel: The implications of this escalated conflict were significant.

Lawler: Yes, tensions soured further when Dunmore, in a moment of desperation, threatened to free enslaved individuals should he face harm, eliciting widespread unrest and mobilization among colonists, thereby shifting the dynamic of the conflict.

Daniel: How did the promise of freedom alter perspectives in Virginia?

Lawler: The fear of an uprising fostered an environment where support for the patriots surged. Dunmore’s proclamation to arm enslaved individuals marked a radical moment in the collective memory of the revolution while simultaneously equipping blacks with agency in their struggle.

Daniel: This proclamation triggered a series of responses from enslaved people. What did they do?

Lawler: Many enslaved individuals seized the opportunity to escape their bondage, flocking to British lines seeking security and potentially joining forces against their enslavers, effectively redefining loyalties in the revolutionary conflict.

Daniel: What were the armies led by Dunmore’s forces like?

Lawler: Dunmore’s Ethiopian Regiment was groundbreaking—integrating formerly enslaved soldiers into a structured military unit that confronted patriots and marched into battle, emphasizing the complexities of alliances during the war.

Daniel: Afterwards, what resulted from the battles fought by Dunmore’s forces?

Lawler: Patriots responded aggressively in retaliation. Following victories, they took decisive actions to eradicate Dunmore’s presence, underscoring the deepening rifts between the budding nation and the British crown.

Daniel: How did the tension manifest into alliances or conflicts between the Southern colonies and their northern counterparts?

Lawler: The devastation in Virginia and the radical nature of Dunmore’s actions caused many settlers to choose loyalty to the patriots over continued allegiance to the British, consolidating support for independence and fostering unity across colonial divisions.

Daniel: Thank you for sharing these intricate layers of history and enlightening us on the often-skewed narratives of the revolutionary era.

Lawler: It’s my pleasure, Ari.

Daniel: For additional insights on the beginnings of the Revolutionary War from Andrew Lawler and fellow contributors to Smithsonian magazine, links can be found in the show notes.

“There’s More To That” is a collaboration between Smithsonian magazine and PRX Productions. Our team includes Debra Rosenberg and Brian Wolly from the magazine, and Jessica Miller, Genevieve Sponsler, Adriana Rozas Rivera, Sandra Lopez-Monsalve, and Edwin Ochoa from PRX. Jocelyn Gonzales serves as the executive producer.

Our episode artwork is crafted by Emily Lankiewicz, with fact-checking by Stephanie Abramson. Music is provided by APM Music, and I’m Ari Daniel. Thank you for tuning in.

Stewart: Next time, consider a visit to the church’s crypt.

Daniel: A crypt? There’s even more to discover.

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www.smithsonianmag.com