As we approach the historic milestone of our nation’s 250th birthday, the air is thick with reflection. It is a time to look back, not just at the broad strokes of a canvas painted by a few, but at the intricate details contributed by the many. At Dale’s Angels Inc., we are spending this season honoring the hidden figures, the unsung heroes, and the many hands that built the very foundations of this land. This is more than just a celebration of independence; it is a recognition of the collective effort, resilience, and brilliance of people of color who have been integral to the American story since its inception.
Through our 'We Built This' campaign, we are digging deep into the archives to bring you stories that deserve to be at the forefront of our national consciousness. Whether you are sipping on a bold French Roast from FB Roasters or planning a historical pilgrimage through our travel services, we invite you to pause and consider the hands that paved the way.
The First Rhode Island Regiment: A Legacy of Courage
In the winter of 1778, the Continental Army was at a crossroads. The struggle for independence required more than just ideals; it required bodies, discipline, and a willingness to sacrifice. In February of that year, the Rhode Island General Assembly took a radical step, authorizing the enlistment of enslaved men. The promise was simple yet profound: those who served would gain their freedom at the end of their service.
This unit became known as the First Rhode Island Regiment, or the “Black Regiment.” It wasn't just a unit of necessity; it became the Continental Army's most integrated unit. Comprising African American, Native American, and white soldiers, these men fought side-by-side long before the concept of integration was accepted in the broader society.
During the Battle of Rhode Island in August 1778, these soldiers stood their ground against repeated British and Hessian attacks. Their discipline and courage were legendary, earning them respect from their peers and fear from their enemies. They didn't just fight for a new nation; they fought for their own personal liberty within that nation. Their story is a reminder that the foundation of American freedom was cemented by the sweat and blood of those who were, at the time, denied its full benefits.
Benjamin Banneker: The Mind That Mapped a Capital
While the soldiers were securing the borders, others were busy defining the heart of the new nation. Enter Benjamin Banneker: a free Black man, mathematician, astronomer, and surveyor. Banneker was a true polymath, a man whose intellectual reach extended to the stars and back to the very soil of Maryland.
In 1791, Banneker was appointed to the team tasked with laying out the boundary lines of what would become Washington, D.C. Working alongside surveyor Andrew Ellicott, Banneker used his expertise in astronomy to make the precise calculations necessary to fix the meridians and boundary points. There is a persistent legend that Banneker recreated the entire layout of the city from memory after the lead designer, Pierre Charles L’Enfant, left the project and took his plans with him. While modern scholarship suggests his role was more focused on the astronomical boundary survey, his contribution remains essential.
Banneker stood as a testament to Black excellence in a world that sought to suppress it. His almanacs were widely read, and his correspondence with Thomas Jefferson challenged the prevailing notions of racial hierarchy. When you walk the streets of the capital today, you are walking on ground that was meticulously surveyed by a Black scientist who proved that genius knows no color.
For those looking to dive deeper into the intellectual history of our founders, we recommend checking out the curated selection at Far From Beale Street. Books like Lewis and Clark Through Indian Eyes by Alvin M. Josephy Jr. offer a necessary perspective on the expansion of this nation from those who were already here.
The Foundations of Liberty: Laborers of the U.S. Capitol
Perhaps the most visible symbol of American democracy is the U.S. Capitol. Its dome and columns are recognized globally, but for a long time, the story of who actually physically constructed it was left in the shadows. We now know that enslaved and free Black laborers were the primary force behind the building’s construction.
From 1793 to 1800, the federal government rented enslaved workers from local slaveholders. These men performed the backbreaking work of clearing the land, digging the trenches for the foundations, and hauling massive sandstone blocks from the quarries. But they weren't just "unskilled" labor. Many were master carpenters, stonecutters, and bricklayers whose craftsmanship remains visible in the Capitol’s structure today.
They baked the bricks, they cleared the timber, and they laid the very stones that now support the halls where laws are debated. To celebrate the 250th birthday of this nation is to acknowledge that its most iconic structures were built by people who were, in that moment, legally considered property. Their resilience is woven into the very fabric of the building.
Reflecting on Our Shared Journey
At Dale’s Angels Inc., we believe that history isn't just something you read about; it’s something you experience. As we look toward the Semiquincentennial in July 2026, we encourage you to take a journey of discovery. Whether it’s a trip to the historic sites of Philadelphia or a visit to the monuments of D.C., there is power in standing where history happened.
Imagine starting your morning with a cup of Cowboy Blend: with its cocoa and caramel notes providing the rugged energy needed for a day of exploration. Or perhaps a smooth Latin American Blend as you sit on a balcony overlooking a city that was built by many hands.
The stories of the First Rhode Island Regiment, Benjamin Banneker, and the Capitol laborers are just the beginning. There are thousands of other names, lost to time but recorded in the stones and the soil of this country. As we celebrate 250 years, let’s make sure we are celebrating the whole story.
If you are ready to plan your next adventure to explore these historical landmarks or find a quiet place for reflection, send an email directly to felicia.baxter@fora.travel with Subject HELP I NEED A VACATION. We can help you curate a journey that is as meaningful as it is memorable.
Which of these stories surprised you most? Share your thoughts below! ?
Digital Realism & Aesthetic Direction. Rendered by our team. Orchestrated by Felicia. Section 31, TN Chapter.
AI assisted.