A North Carolina Highway Historical Marker will soon honor Zachariah Jacobs, a free-born African American Patriot soldier, according to a Mar. 20 announcement from the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. The marker dedication is scheduled for Thursday, March 26 at 10 a.m., at the intersection of 3rd Street and Grace Street in Wilmington.
The event highlights Jacobs’ service during the Revolutionary War and recognizes his role as a free person of color who contributed to the fight for independence. His story is seen as an example of perseverance through multiple enlistments, injury, captivity, and eventual recognition.
Jacobs was born on Oct. 4, 1753. He first served in the Bladen County Regiment of the North Carolina Militia under Colonel John Alexander Lillington and Captain Joseph Wood at the end of 1778. During this period he participated in the Battle of Briar Creek in March 1779 before returning home after an American defeat.
In early 1781, Jacobs rejoined militia forces for nine months and fought at the Battle of Guilford Court House where he was wounded in his leg. After recovering in hospital, he was captured by Loyalist soldiers but later paroled by British Major James Henry Craig.
Later that year he enlisted again with a Continental Line regiment for another nine-month term. By March 1782, serving under Major Michael Rudolph near Charleston, South Carolina, Jacobs took part in capturing the British galley Alligator on Ashley River—a notable achievement against British supply lines—before being discharged that December after service at Ashley Hill and Wilmington.
After his military service ended, Jacobs lived out his life in Brunswick and New Hanover counties. In April 1835 he received a federal pension for seventeen months’ service; following his death on April 10, 1847 his widow Sally also secured recognition through a pension.
The marker’s installation is part of ongoing efforts by state agencies to commemorate individuals who played significant roles during pivotal moments in history.
