The gravesite of Boston Trowtrow recalls a long-forgotten practice in colonial New England of electing “Black Governors” or “Kings” to represent local slave populations. Trowtrow served as Norwich’s Black Governor from 1770 to 1772 and was one of three known leaders from Norwich. Norwich’s Black Governors — Boston Trowtrow, Sam Huntington, and Ira Tossit — wielded influence, acting as intermediaries between the black and white communities.

In Connecticut, elections for Black Governors began in the 1750s, when slaves accompanying their owners to Hartford for the colony’s annual gubernatorial election chose their own leader as well.

Later, Connecticut’s slaves voted for these “governors” locally, and sent the results to Hartford on the Saturday after the general election, when the winner was formally declared.

The occasion was celebrated with a dinner, followed by an “inaugural” parade with the newly named Black Governor marching at its head.

Despite the local status of these black leaders, their authority was primarily limited to upholding order within the African American community. It is thought that their white owners — usually among the town’s most prominent citizens — promoted the practice as a means to prevent uprisings.

Trowtrow is believed to have been the slave of Jabez Huntington (1719–1786), one of Norwich’s most successful colonial-era merchants. The custom of electing Black Governors, which lasted for about a century, occurred in many other Connecticut towns, including Derby, Durham, Farmington, Hartford, New Haven, New London and Seymour. In 1869, Connecticut became the fifteenth state to ratify the Fifteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which stated that no citizen could be denied the right to vote based on race, color, or previous condition of servitude.

Boston Trowtrow is buried in the Norwichtown Colonial Burying Ground. The inscription on his grave reads: “In Memory of Boston Trowtrow Govener of ye Affrican Trib he Died May 28 1772 At 66.” His gravesite in on the Connecticut Freedom Trail, which recognizes sites significant to the state’s African American history and culture.

Recently, as part of the Norwich Freedom Trail, the Norwich Historical Society installed a plaque near his gravesite honoring Trowtrow and highlighting the fascinating history of the Black Governors. The Norwich Freedom Trail can be accessed via walknorwich.org or brochures can be picked up at the Norwich Heritage & Regional Visitors’ Center.

Regan Miner is the Executive Director of the Norwich Historical Society.