African-American Sailors from Newburyport
They came to Newburyport in the 17th century as farmhands, and as servants to the wealthier families that profited from the rise of fishing and shipping from the mouth of the Merrimack River. They became part of the skilled workforce at the shipyards, and the unskilled ranks of the dockworkers and carters.
Dring the Revolutionary War, African-American sailors joined with the community at large, and served aboard privateers. After the Revolutionary War, the growing mercantile trade valued their knowledge of local waters and harbors.
It is difficult to find extensive documentary evidence of their lives; however, many are known through their Seamen's Protection Certificates. A Certificate provided a detailed description of the sailor, and attested to his American citizenship. Seamen's Protection Certificates were issued at Custom Houses, and helped forestall impressment by the British Navy. During the War of 1812, African-American sailors served aboard both American naval vessels and privateers.
During the Ante-Bellum period, they were a significant portion of merchant crews. However, new European immgrants often supplanted African-American sailors on American ships.
The Civil War increased the demand for experienced hands, and African-American sailors again became an important part of the naval complement. After the Civil War, black sailors were again replaced by white seamen. Eventually, they were victimised by the application of Jim Crow laws in the U.S. Navy.
The Lowell Boat Shop and Newburyport Maritime Society
Dring the Revolutionary War, African-American sailors joined with the community at large, and served aboard privateers. After the Revolutionary War, the growing mercantile trade valued their knowledge of local waters and harbors.
It is difficult to find extensive documentary evidence of their lives; however, many are known through their Seamen's Protection Certificates. A Certificate provided a detailed description of the sailor, and attested to his American citizenship. Seamen's Protection Certificates were issued at Custom Houses, and helped forestall impressment by the British Navy. During the War of 1812, African-American sailors served aboard both American naval vessels and privateers.
During the Ante-Bellum period, they were a significant portion of merchant crews. However, new European immgrants often supplanted African-American sailors on American ships.
The Civil War increased the demand for experienced hands, and African-American sailors again became an important part of the naval complement. After the Civil War, black sailors were again replaced by white seamen. Eventually, they were victimised by the application of Jim Crow laws in the U.S. Navy.
The Lowell Boat Shop and Newburyport Maritime Society