Colonel Tye and the Black Brigade (3-5)

Colonel Tye was one of the most famous Black Loyalist soldiers in the American Revolution. Even though he was called “Colonel,” he wasn’t an officer because the British army didn’t allow Black men to be officers. Tye was a brave and smart fighter who earned a lot of respect.

His real name was Titus, and he was born into slavery in New Jersey. His owner, John Corlies, was a Quaker, but he treated him poorly. Quakers were supposed to free their enslaved people at age 21, but Corlies refused. Titus ran away in 1775 and went to Virginia, where he heard that the British promised freedom to any enslaved person who fought for them. Titus joined their army and became part of the Ethiopian Regiment. He returned to New Jersey to fight, leading attacks on Patriots and freeing other enslaved people.

Tye hid in the New Jersey marshes, making surprise attacks. Sadly, in 1780, Tye was wounded in battle and died from infection.

New Jersey Student Learning Standards:

• 6.1.5.HistoryCC.1: Analyze key historical events from the past to explain how they led to the creation of the state of New Jersey and the United States.
• 6.1.5.HistoryCC.2: Use a variety of sources to illustrate how the American identity has evolved over time.
• 6.1.5.HistoryCC.3: Use multiple sources to describe how George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, and Governor William Livingston have impacted state and national governments over time.
• 6.1.5.HistoryCC.4: Use evidence to document how the interactions among African, European, and Native American groups impacted their respective cultures.
• 6.1.5.HistoryCC.7: Evaluate the initial and lasting impact of slavery using sources that represent multiple perspectives.