Born: 1774 (Philadelphia, USA)
Died: 1864
Biography:
Rose Fortune (March 13, 1774 – February 20, 1864) was a remarkable woman who defied the odds and left an enduring legacy. Born in or around Philadelphia, Rose was the child of runaway slaves. Her parents, Fortune and Aminta, became Black Loyalists during the American Revolutionary War when they pledged their loyalty to the British Army in exchange for their freedom. This decision set the stage for Rose’s extraordinary life.
In 1783, at the age of 10, Rose sailed with her family from New York City to Nova Scotia, along with approximately 3,000 other Black Loyalists seeking a better life. They settled in Annapolis Royal, a British territory, where Rose would spend most of her life. The journey to Nova Scotia marked the beginning of Rose’s journey towards becoming a central figure in her community.
As Rose grew older, she married twice and had at least three children. Her entrepreneurial spirit became evident at around 50 years of age when she started a business transporting luggage. Equipped with nothing more than a wheelbarrow, she would ferry luggage from the Annapolis ferry docks to hotels and houses, offering a reliable and much-needed service to travelers. Her determination and resourcefulness soon paid off, and by the early 1840s, she upgraded to horse-drawn carriages.
Rose Fortune’s reputation as a shrewd businesswoman grew, but her impact went beyond her entrepreneurial endeavors. She became a symbol of strength and courage in the community. In fact, Rose holds the honor of being the first female police officer in North America. Concerned for the safety of her town, she instituted and enforced curfews to help keep the streets safe at night. Through her actions, she demonstrated her commitment to the welfare of her fellow residents.
Rose Fortune’s legacy remains alive today, inspiring future generations. She exemplifies the resilience and determination required to overcome adversity. Her story challenges the stereotypes and limitations placed upon African Americans and women during her time. Rose Fortune shattered these barriers and became a beacon of hope and possibility.