Peter Francisco - Hercules of the Revolutionary War

The June 9, 2011, episode of American Heroes Radio features a conversation with Travis Bowman, a 6th generation descendant of Peter Francisco, has written an historical novel about Peter's life entitled Hercules of the Revolution and produced a half-hour documentary The Peter Francisco Story: 10 Things You Never Knew About One of Our Nation’s Founding Fathers.

About Peter Francisco

Peter Francisco isn’t often mentioned in modern history textbooks, yet he stands among famous people of the Revolutionary War and is considered one of America’s founding fathers. Few know of this Portuguese American’s legendary prowess during the American Revolution, in which he served three tours of duty, fought in five major battles, and was wounded six times, twice escaping death. Five monuments stand up and down the East Coast honoring Peter Francisco, the Hercules of the Revolution. George Washington called Peter Francisco his “One-Man Army” and even had a six-foot broadsword fashioned just for Peter on account of his giant stature. 

About the Guest

Travis Bowman is a 6th generation descendant of Peter Francisco, and he is of similar stature standing 6’6” tall just like Peter.  As an actor he enjoys telling Peter’s story through dramatic impersonations with a 6’ replica broadsword similar to the one George Washington had made for Peter.  Travis’ family is originally from Virginia where Peter was raised and resided most of his life.  Coincidently, Travis was born the day after Virginia declared March 15th, Peter Francisco Day.

Travis’s grandfather was stationed in London during WWII, and his father spent 40 years at the National Security Agency.