Salem Poor

Salem Poor (born c. 1747) was a free African American soldier who played a significant role in the American Revolutionary War, most notably at the Battle of Bunker Hill on June 17, 1775. Little is known about his early life, but by the time of the Revolutionary War, Poor was a free man of color living in Massachusetts. At Bunker Hill, Poor reportedly distinguished himself in combat, with contemporary accounts crediting him with shooting a British officer and demonstrating exceptional bravery under fire. His service at this pivotal early battle made him one of the first African Americans to take up arms for the American cause. Following Bunker Hill, Poor continued his military service, though detailed records of his later service are sparse. After the war, he remained in Massachusetts and attempted to build a civilian life, though he faced the same racial discrimination that plagued most African Americans of the era. Poor's legacy represents the often-overlooked contributions of African Americans to the founding of the United States. His participation in the Revolutionary War challenges historical narratives that minimize Black involvement in early American military history, making him a symbol of African American patriotism and sacrifice during the nation's formative period.