Who decides what goes into history books?
More importantly, why is it always changing?
Christian historian and political activist David Barton has recently shared with us the importance of providing students with a complete and accurate look at our nation’s history. In doing so, he believes race relations will improve dramatically, and the patriotism that once was so strong will unite us again.
For centuries, Americans were taught a truthful version of history that recognized the godly heroes and moral foundation our nation was founded upon. A new version of history has assaulted our history’s moral and spiritual fiber in recent years, leaving the truth forgotten.
While there are countless similar accounts, here are 4 Stories From Black History You Won’t Find in Today’s Textbooks, as shared by David Barton.
1. The Rev. Harry Hoosier (1750-1810)
Harry Hoosier had been a slave, was freed and became a Christian. He traveled alongside a well-known White minister named Francis Asbury and preached to large crowds. He was one of the most popular preachers of his era. He was even declared “the greatest orator in America” by Dr. Benjamin Rush, a signer of the Declaration of Independence.
He was so influential in his evangelizing in the state of Indiana that those he converted under his teaching became known as “Hoosiers,” which is what led Indiana to become known as “the Hoosier state.”
You would think that would be included in textbooks, but you don’t see it anymore.
(Read the full story HERE.)
2. Wentworth Cheswell (1746-1817)
On April 18, 1775, Paul Revere made his famous ride during the Revolutionary War. But he was not the only one who rode to alert the patriots. Wentworth Cheswell, a Black patriot, was another.
Even more impressive was Cheswell’s long service in elected office beginning in 1768. He is considered by George Mason University to be the first Black man elected to public office in Colonial America. You would think textbooks would want to talk about that! Yet, there is no mention of this.
He held eight different political positions, served as a judge, and was reelected in a primarily white town again and again for 49 years! He is also credited for writing the first history book about New Hampshire.
3. Peter Salem (1750-1816)
Peter Salem was a Black patriot and the hero of the Battle of Bunker Hill. He was born a slave but was given his freedom when he enlisted in the Continental Army. He saved countless American lives during the Revolution, which is why he is depicted in various paintings of the Revolution. In textbooks from the 1840s, he was shown as the clear patriot and hero of the Battle. Where is he today? Why isn’t he included? You won’t find him in today’s textbooks.
4. James Armistead (1748-1830)
This true story is made for the movies. James Armistead was a Black patriot and volunteered to be a spy for the American Army. He gained the trust of General Cornwallis and Benedict Arnold of the British army, then took highly classified intel from their camp back to the Americans.
The information he brought back from the British camp was used by General George Washington to defeat the British in many of their attempts against America. He was a true patriot and hero of the Revolutionary War. Yet, we find no mention of him and his heroism for his country in textbooks today.
*If you’d like to discover more memorable stories from Black history, read more about: Prince Whipple, Jack Cisson, Oliver Cromwell, and Salem Poor.
These four stories from Black history that you won't find in today’s textbooks are just a sampling of critical historical accounts omitted from the version of history currently taught in our nation’s public schools. It’s time to demand the complete and accurate truth in our education system and unite America on our common ground—not divide us with our differences.
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