PRINCE ESTABROOK
The book "Prince Estabrook, Slave and Soldier" by Alice Hinkle, tells the story of Prince Estabrook, a slave who became the first black solider in the American Revolution at dawn on April 19, 1775 on the Battle Green in Lexington, MA.
His journey from slavery to freedom parallels his country's fight for independence. The book examines Estabrook's war record and his life in Lexington, drawing on the insights of his reenactor for 25 years, modern-day Lexington Minute Man Charles Price.
Appendices include a section with sketches of other black patriots, a Black Patriots Trail that covers the area in and around Lexington and Concord MA, and information on other programs that shed light on these forgotten heroes, including a program at Colonial Williamsburg.
The book, created in a 8 by 8.5 in. format, is the result of more than 7 years of research. It has extensive endnotes and includes 40 photos or illustrations, more than half of them in color.
"This is a wonderful story, and an original contribution to the history of the American Revolution."
David Hackett Fischer, author of "Paul Revere's Ride" and Brandeis University history professor
"This book will help Minute Man National Historical Park to illuminate the untold stories of African Americans...
Nancy A. Nelson, superintendent of Minute Man National Historical Park
"This is a story that needed to be told...(it is) a book that librarians should consider adding to their collections."
Jennifer De Remer, adult services librarian, Robbins Library, Arlington, MA
About the Author
Alice Hinkle is a freelance journalist who lives a stone's throw from the Battle Road in Lexington, Mass. A correspondent for the Boston Globe and former editor of the Lexington Minuteman newspaper, Hinkle coauthored two previous books on Lexington.
Patriot's Day is one of the favorite holidays of the Hinkle family, which includes Alice, her husband Bill, and their four grown sons and their families.