Researching the American Revolution

Your source for information on the American War of Independence

Rhode Island

Revolutionary Era Billy Bottomore Confectionary in Newport, RI

Overview

The Revolutionary War in Rhode Island played a significant role in the American struggle for independence from British rule. Located strategically between British-controlled New York and New England, Rhode Island became a hotbed of military activity and a crucial theater of war. In the early stages of the conflict, the British occupied Newport, one of the state’s major ports, and used it as a base for their operations. However, Rhode Island quickly became a center of resistance, with patriots organizing militias and privateering expeditions to disrupt British supply lines and naval dominance.

One of the most notable events during the Revolutionary War in Rhode Island was the Battle of Rhode Island, also known as the Battle of Newport. In August 1778, American and French forces launched a joint offensive against the British occupying Newport. Despite encountering difficulties, including miscommunication and bad weather, the allied forces managed to engage the British and fight a fierce battle. Although the Americans and French did not achieve a decisive victory, they effectively contained the British in Newport, preventing them from expanding their control over the region. This engagement demonstrated the determination of Rhode Island’s patriots to resist British occupation and contribute to the broader cause of independence. Ultimately, the Revolutionary War in Rhode Island played a crucial part in the overall success of the American Revolution, as it demonstrated the resilience and commitment of the colonists in their fight for freedom.

Primary Sources

Hagist, Don N., ed. General Orders, Rhode Island: December 1776-January 1778. Bowie, Md: Heritage Books, 2001.

Secondary Sources

McBurney, Christian M. The Rhode Island Campaign: The First French and American Operation in the Revolutionary War. Yardley, Pa: Westholme Publishing, 2011.

Walker, Anthony. So Few the Brave – Rhode Island Continentals 1775-1783. Newport, RI: Rhode Island Society of the Sons of the American Revolution, 1981.