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1st Rhode Island Regiment Monument

Monument dedicated to brave African American and Indigenous soldiers of the 1st Rhode Island Regiment

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Portsmouth, RI

By late 1777, George Washington’s army was collapsing from disease, desertion, and supply shortages. Rhode Island struggled to meet its troop quotas. The state asked permission to recruit free Black, Indigenous, and enslaved men. In February 1778, the Rhode Island Assembly passed the Slave Enlistment Act, promising freedom to enslaved men who enlisted. At the Battle of Rhode Island on August 29, 1778, the regiment fought with exceptional discipline and repelled repeated Hessian assaults.

What's Nearby

Explore more of The Liberty Trail by visiting these nearby attractions.

Granite monument/structure in remembrance of the 1st Rhode Island Regiment

Portsmouth, RI 02871

Monument dedicated to the men of the 1st Rhode Island

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Print of the Battle of Rhode Island.

Portsmouth, RI 02871

First Franco-American operation of the Revolution

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Early 20th century postcard depicting Butts Hill Fort in Rhode Island

Portsmouth, RI 02871

Franco-American defensive position in Rhode Island

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Fort Barton in Tiverton, Rhode Island

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Fort named for Lt. Col. William Barton

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Tactical position during the Battle of Rhode Island

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Stone marker denoting the location of Green End Fort

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Marker describing the destruction of the HMS Liberty

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Newport, RI 02840

Tavern that hosted British and Loyalist troops

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Front of the Hunter House in Rhode Island

Newport, RI 02840

Former HQ of the French fleet in North America

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Newport, RI 02840

Only purpose-built synagogue to survive the Rev War

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Newport, RI 02840

1780 headquarters of the Comte de Rochambeau

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Newport, RI 02840

America's first purpose-built library

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East Greenwich, RI 02818

Former armory and drill field of the Kentish Guard

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A small fortress like brick building sits on a street corner, with arched wooden doors, battlements, and a nearby cannon.

East Greenwich, RI 02818

Museum with artifacts dating to the 16th century

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Colonial Home of General James Mitchell Varnum

East Greenwich, RI 02818

Former home of General James Mitchell Varnum

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Bronze marker on boulder to commemorate spot of the burning of the Gaspee

Warwick, RI 02888

Site of the capture of the British crew of the Gaspee

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Providence, RI 02906

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Providence, RI 02903

Former home of Stephen Hopkins

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Colonial-Era state house of Rhode Island

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