James Armistead Lafayette (c. 1748–1830) was an enslaved African American who played a pivotal role as a spy during the American Revolutionary War. Born in Virginia, Armistead was owned by William Armistead, who allowed him to join the Continental Army under the Marquis de Lafayette in 1781. Using his status as an enslaved person, Armistead posed as a runaway slave to infiltrate British camps.
As a double agent, Armistead provided critical intelligence to the Continental Army while feeding false information to the British. His espionage efforts were instrumental in the American victory at the Battle of Yorktown, where Lord Cornwallis surrendered, effectively ending the war. Despite his contributions, Armistead returned to enslavement after the war, as he was not eligible for emancipation under existing laws.
In 1787, with the support of Lafayette, Armistead successfully petitioned for his freedom. He adopted Lafayette's name as a tribute to the general's assistance. Armistead lived the remainder of his life as a free man, owning a farm in Virginia and raising a family. His story is a testament to courage and resilience in the face of systemic injustice.
