Unsung Patriots: The Forgotten American Revolution Heroes

The Figures Who Shaped the Battles, Borders, and Intelligence Networks for America’s Independence

In honor of America’s 250th anniversary, we are hosting a series written by military veterans and first responders that uncovers the untold stories, overlooked heroes, and pivotal moments that shaped our nation—celebrating the courage, complexity, and legacy of the Revolution that continues to define the American spirit today. This article is the first in our series.

We all know the big names from the American Revolution: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Benedict Arnold, and many others who are in the pantheon of American heroes and villains. But history has a weird way of leaving a few people out who should be part of the story, as we all know. The Revolutionary War was a mammoth undertaking, involving hundreds of different people, from soldiers in the field to wives back at home keeping their farms running, who made a difference in getting our independence. But in that group of people who should be in the pantheon of Great American Heroes that we all should know their names, there are a few that stick out, and you should know who they are.

Benjamin Tallmadge – The Spymaster

One of the people many of us know is Nathan Hale, who was a captain in the Continental Army who was captured because he was collecting intelligence and hanged by the British for spying. That event had a profound effect on one person, his college friend Benjamin Tallmadge. Tallmadge, who was a major in the 2nd Continental Light Dragoons, saw the need for spies to be better protected and organized to prevent similar fates for his friends. So Washington appointed him to be the Director of Military Intelligence and orchestrated the famed Culper Spy Ring, flowing critical information from British-held New York to Washington’s headquarters.

He wasn’t just a behind-the-scenes operator. In late 1780, he led a raid on Fort St. George and was at the Battle of Yorktown to see the end of the conflict. Washington himself wrote to commend Tallmadge’s “spirited execution of this business.” That kind of intelligence and bold action helped tilt the war. After the war, Tallmadge would go on to play a critical role in Connecticut’s politics and even serve as one of its representatives to Congress. Still, without his contributions, there is no doubt that there would have been significant delays to American victory.

George Rogers Clark – The Conqueror of the Northwest

Now, everyone’s heard of William Clark, the second part of the Lewis and Clark duo that would explore and map the American West. Their historic expeditions are a massive part of American history. Still, it wouldn’t be possible without the efforts of Clark’s big brother during the Revolution. George Rogers Clark was a part of the aristocratic society of Virginia at the time. Still, unlike many of his colleagues, he preferred to be in the wild Northwest Territories.

Understanding the long-term importance of these lands, he persuaded Virginia to treat Kentucky as a county, granting legal standing and supplies to settlers, and used that platform to launch a bold campaign into the Old Northwest. In 1778–79, Clark seized British outposts at Kaskaskia, Cahokia, and Vincennes—without firing a shot in some cases. And in his boldest move, he had a surprise winter march through swamps and brutal woods on Vincennes. This insane attack had never been considered by the British and led to the capture of the British lieutenant-governor, Henry Hamilton.

These actions directly allowed the United States to claim these lands as its territory when it went to negotiate the peace deal with Britain at the end of the war. Without his actions, most of this territory would have stayed in Britain’s hands, and the American expansion west would have been delayed by generations.

“Mad” Anthony Wayne – One Mad Lad

Sometimes a nickname tells you everything you need to know about a person. “Mad” Anthony Wayne got his nickname for a reason: the man was known to have a temper. Combining that temper with his aggressive and erratic behavior on the battlefield earned him the nickname—a nickname that served him well as he played key roles at Brandywine, Germantown, Monmouth, and famously led the surprise attack at Stony Point in 1779.

These actions early on made him one of Washington’s most trusted battlefield commanders, and he was tasked with special assignments, like quelling the Pennsylvania Line mutiny of 1781, and going after Banastre Tarleton (yes, the villain from the movie The Patriot) in the months leading up to the Battle of Yorktown, where he was wounded. After the war, he would serve in Congress and be called back to service multiple times to help the young nation deal with military threats.

John Stark – The Granite-State Guardian

The founding fathers, for the most part, were young men, but most of them, being in their 20s and 30s, were not experienced warriors. The exception to that was John Stark of New Hampshire. He was a veteran of the French and Indian War and one of the first major commanders, taking part in the Battle of Bunker Hill, the Siege of Boston, and Washington’s daring Christmas Eve raid on the Hessians at Trenton.

That experience was crucial at the Battle of Bennington in August 1777. Stark led New Hampshire and other New England militias to a surprising but important victory, slashing British forces and stealing supplies, delivering a blow that helped pave the way for Burgoyne’s surrender at Saratoga. The surrender at Saratoga was a key moment for the American Revolution because the French saw the United States as a capable partner after defeating the British Army in this engagement, and quickly signed a treaty, which led to the United States’ eventual victory.

None of that would have been possible without Stark. He went on to be promoted to major general, retiring only after the war’s end. He lived to age 94 as the last surviving general of the Revolution. Also, a fun fact is that the state of New Hampshire’s motto, “Live Free or Die,” is attributed to him.

remembering the unsung heroes

Each of these men contributed to the Revolution in a way that directly impacted America’s victory and independence. Each of these men was very different; some were frontiersmen, and some were graduates of Yale. Those differences between them show what is best about America: how folks from all different backgrounds can have a significant impact on major things like starting a new nation. And that’s why these revolutionary heroes deserve to be in your pantheon of American historical figures.

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About the Author

Born and raised in New England, Cody Fongemie grew up surrounded by history and adventure. His love for the outdoors led him to become an avid hunter, fly fisherman, and writer focused on history and wilderness pursuits. After studying in South Carolina, he enlisted in the Air Force, where he continues to serve. In addition to his service, he is dedicated to actively connecting the military community with the outdoors through non-profit initiatives. Based in Connecticut with his wife, Carlei, and their dog, Winnie, Cody writes for Mule Deer Foundation Magazine, DeerCast, and various outdoor organizations.