05/25/2026
Most Americans have never heard his name.
But George Roberts helped defend this country during the War of 1812.
Born around 1766, Roberts was a free Black sailor from Baltimore at a time when freedom for Black Americans was still fragile and dangerous. While many history books barely mention men like him, Black sailors made up a major part of America’s maritime forces during the war.
George Roberts first served aboard the privateer *Sarah Ann*, where he was captured by the British and nearly executed after being accused of being a British subject. He survived, returned to sea, and later became a gunner aboard the legendary privateer *Chasseur* — one of the most feared American ships of the War of 1812.
When the war ended, Baltimore celebrated the crew as heroes.
For decades afterward, George Roberts proudly marched in Fort McHenry commemorations as one of Baltimore’s “Old Defenders.” Newspapers described him as standing tall in uniform well into old age.
Even more remarkable?
This portrait, taken late in his life, is considered one of the very few known photographs of a Black veteran from the War of 1812.
A face.
A name.
A piece of American history many never knew existed.
History often remembers the generals.
But men like George Roberts helped build the nation too.
Would you like to see more forgotten Black American heroes like this?
