Uploaded July 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
How did Zachariah Jacobs, a person of color, live free in North Carolina during the Revolutionary War? And why did he risk everything to fight for the American colonies? For 250 years, nobody even knew to ask. Then, one of his descendants discovered a document that began to reveal a military career that should have been legendary.
Additional archival images provided by David Rumsey Map Center, Stanford University Libraries and the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Triangle, Virginia.
Homegrown History
Homegrown History is a multiyear public history initiative exploring North Carolina's rich past. To commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026, the inaugural year will focus on North Carolina’s history as it relates to the American Revolution. It is presented in conjunction with PBS America at 250 and America 250 NC, a statewide effort led by the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.
Learn more at pbsnc.org/HomegrownHistory
The Homegrown History Initiative is sponsored by SECU Foundation, funded by the members of State Employees’ Credit Union. Additional support provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, American Battlefield Trust and Duke Energy Foundation.
Subscribe to the PBS North Carolina channel so you never miss a story! @MyPBSNC
This program is made possible by viewers like you! Support PBS North Carolina today: pbsnc.org/donate
FOLLOW US
Instagram: instagram.com/MyPBSNC
Facebook: facebook.com/MyPBSNC
Email Newsletter: pbsnc.org/signup
Enjoy full episodes of your favorite PBS shows anytime, anywhere with the free PBS App: pbsnc.org/app
How did Zachariah Jacobs, a person of color, live free in North Carolina during the Revolutionary War? And why did he risk everything to fight for the American colonies? For 250 years, nobody even knew to ask. Then, one of his descendants discovered a document that began to reveal a military career that should have been legendary.
Additional archival images provided by David Rumsey Map Center, Stanford University Libraries and the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Triangle, Virginia.
Homegrown History
Homegrown History is a multiyear public history initiative exploring North Carolina's rich past. To commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026, the inaugural year will focus on North Carolina’s history as it relates to the American Revolution. It is presented in conjunction with PBS America at 250 and America 250 NC, a statewide effort led by the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.
Learn more at pbsnc.org/HomegrownHistory
The Homegrown History Initiative is sponsored by SECU Foundation, funded by the members of State Employees’ Credit Union. Additional support provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, American Battlefield Trust and Duke Energy Foundation.
Subscribe to the PBS North Carolina channel so you never miss a story! @MyPBSNC
This program is made possible by viewers like you! Support PBS North Carolina today: pbsnc.org/donate
FOLLOW US
Instagram: instagram.com/MyPBSNC
Facebook: facebook.com/MyPBSNC
Email Newsletter: pbsnc.org/signup
Enjoy full episodes of your favorite PBS shows anytime, anywhere with the free PBS App: pbsnc.org/app
