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Who were some of the lesser-known heroes of the War of Independence - and why?

Denzel Voss

Oh boy, let me tell you about some of the unsung heroes of the American Revolution. You know, those badasses who didn't get as much recognition as George Washington and Paul Revere but were just as crucial to our victory.

First up, we have Lucy Knox. Wife of General Henry Knox, Lucy was known as the "Mother of the Army." She would travel with her husband and set up camp wherever he went, setting up hospitals, cooking for the soldiers, and even mending their clothes. She was a constant source of support for the soldiers, and her hard work and dedication deserve to be applauded.

Next, let's talk about James Armistead. He was a slave who volunteered to be a spy for the Continental Army. Armistead posed as a runaway slave and joined the British army, gathering intel and passing it along to General Lafayette. Thanks to Armistead's intelligence, Lafayette was able to trap and defeat British General Cornwallis at Yorktown, ultimately leading to the end of the war.

Another hero who deserves recognition is Deborah Sampson. She disguised herself as a man and joined the Continental Army under the name Robert Shurtlieff. Sampson fought in several battles, even sustaining injuries, but managed to keep her identity a secret until she fell ill and was discovered by doctors. Despite the risk of being punished for impersonating a soldier, Sampson was granted an honorable discharge and a small pension for her service.

Last but certainly not least, we have the Oneida Nation. The Oneidas were one of the few Native American tribes who supported the American Revolution. They provided crucial aid to the colonists by sending warriors to fight, offering supplies, and even allowing George Washington and his troops to stay on their land during the harsh winter of 1777-1778. Their involvement in the war helped turn the tide in favor of the colonists, and they should be remembered as true heroes.

These are just a few examples of the lesser-known heroes of the War of Independence. While their stories may not be as well-known as others, their sacrifices and contributions were just as important in securing our freedom. We owe them all our thanks and respect.