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Monument dedicated to brave African American and Indigenous soldiers of the 1st Rhode Island Regiment
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.
Explore more of The Liberty Trail by visiting these nearby attractions.
Portsmouth, RI 02871
Monument dedicated to the men of the 1st Rhode Island
Tiverton, RI 02878
Bristol, RI 02809
Newport, RI 02840
Defenses constructed by Franco-American forces
Jamestown, RI 02835
Site of Franco-American earthworks in Rhode Island