Revolutionary or Loyalist: Which Side Were My Ancestors On?

This Independence Day will mark 249 years since the founding of the United States of America. As we prepare to celebrate the holiday weekend with our family and friends, have you ever wondered if your ancestors lived in the colonies at the time of the Revolution? Have you discovered that your ancestors were here? Believe it or not, the idea of the United States of America was a very divided issue at the time. Those colonists who strived for independence were known as rebels or patriots, and those whose loyalty remained with King George III were known as the loyalists. If your ancestors lived in the colonies at the time, it’s possible that they leaned towards a side.

If you’ve discovered during your genealogical research that your family were colonists in Revolutionary times, perhaps you’ve wondered if they were patriots or loyalists? The collection of works below are located in the Local History and Genealogy Department at our Main Library. These works can help you discover which side your ancestors aligned with at the time. If you haven’t thought about doing your genealogy before, and are now curious to know if your ancestors where colonists, check out our Family Tree Workbook on how to get started making discoveries about your family.

Have an interest in Genealogy or History? Be sure to join us for the Genealogy Fair on October 4th (only 96 days left)!

On behalf of the library, we would also like to take this moment to wish everyone a safe, happy Independence Day!

Forgotten Patriots: African American and American Indian Patriots in the Revolutionary War: A guide to Service, Sources, and Studies

Index of Revolutionary War Service Records

Descendants of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence

Revolutionary War Pensions Awarded by State Governments 1775-1874, The General and Federal Governments Prior to 1814, and by Private Acts of Congress to 1905

Mariners of the American Revolution 

The Loyalists in the American Revolution

New Loyalist Index

Biographical Sketches of Loyalists of the American Revolution

Loyalists in the Southern Campaign of the Revolutionary War

American Loyalist Claims