James Armistead Lafayette was an enslaved African American who played a pivotal role in the American Revolution. He was born in Virginia in the early 1740s and was owned by William Armistead, who sent him to serve in the Continental Army in 1781. Armistead volunteered to spy on the British, and he was able to infiltrate the camps of both British General Charles Cornwallis and British traitor Benedict Arnold.
Armistead’s intelligence gathering was instrumental in the American victory at the Siege of Yorktown, which marked a turning point in the war. He provided crucial information about troop movements and strategies, allowing American forces to anticipate and counter British attacks. After the war, Armistead was granted his freedom and took on the surname “Lafayette” in honor of the French general who had fought alongside the Americans.
Armistead’s bravery and contributions to the American Revolution are widely recognized today, and he is celebrated as a hero and a symbol of the African American struggle for freedom and equality. In 2004, he was officially recognized as a spy by the U.S. government, and his legacy continues to inspire generations of Americans.

James Armistead Lafayette
It’s surely a good idea to look at these 29 interesting facts about James Armistead Lafayette to know more about him.
- James Armistead Lafayette was born into slavery in Virginia around 1748.
- He was owned by William Armistead, who sent him to serve in the Continental Army during the American Revolution.
- Armistead posed as a runaway slave and offered his services to the British army as a spy.
- He was able to infiltrate both British General Charles Cornwallis’ and Benedict Arnold’s camps.
- Armistead’s information was instrumental in the American victory at the Siege of Yorktown.
- He reported on the movements of British troops and their plans for future attacks.
- Armistead delivered critical intelligence to American General Marquis de Lafayette, who in turn relayed it to General George Washington.
- Armistead’s information allowed American forces to anticipate and counter British attacks, leading to a decisive victory at Yorktown.
- After the war, Armistead was granted his freedom and took on the surname “Lafayette” in honor of the French general who had fought alongside the Americans.
- He married and had several children.
- Armistead worked as a farmer in Virginia.
- He was granted a pension for his service in the Continental Army in 1818.
- Armistead was the first African American spy to be documented in American history.
- His story was largely forgotten until the 20th century.
- In 1976, he was inducted into the Military Intelligence Hall of Fame.
- In 1996, a statue of Armistead was erected in Yorktown, Virginia.
- In 2004, he was officially recognized as a spy by the U.S. government.
- Armistead’s contributions to the American Revolution were highlighted in the musical “Hamilton.”
- He is the subject of the children’s book “The General and the Spy” by Rosemary Zibart.
- In 2018, a historical marker was erected in New Kent County, Virginia, where Armistead was born.
- The James Armistead Lafayette Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution is named in his honor.
- Armistead’s story has been featured in several documentaries, including “America: The Story of Us.”
- The National Park Service operates the “James Armistead Lafayette” tour in Yorktown, Virginia.
- A middle school in the Henrico County Public Schools system is named after Armistead.
- In 2020, a statue of Armistead was unveiled at the Virginia War Memorial in Richmond.
- Armistead’s story is a testament to the bravery and ingenuity of enslaved Africans who fought for their own freedom during the American Revolution.
- His legacy continues to inspire generations of Americans.
- Armistead’s contributions to the American Revolution paved the way for future generations of African Americans to serve in the military.
- Armistead’s story highlights the important role that African Americans played in the fight for independence, despite facing significant obstacles and discrimination.
James Armistead Lafayette’s story is a remarkable testament to the courage and resourcefulness of African Americans during the American Revolution. Despite being born into slavery, Armistead was able to use his intelligence and cunning to play a pivotal role in the fight for independence. His contributions to the war effort helped turn the tide of the conflict and ultimately paved the way for the birth of the United States. Armistead’s legacy continues to inspire generations of Americans, particularly those who have struggled for civil rights and equality. His story reminds us that every individual has the power to make a difference and that the pursuit of freedom and justice is a struggle that requires the contributions of people from all walks of life.