Historic Site | Historic House

Hunter House

Former headquarters of the French fleet in North America and the home of Loyalist sympathizer.

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Newport, RI

The Hunter House in Newport became a key Revolutionary War site when the French fleet under Admiral de Ternay used it as headquarters in 1780. Loyalist owner Colonel Joseph Wanton Jr. was accused of helping the British raise troops. Wanton was imprisoned by Patriot authorities and later forced to flee Newport. The French occupation of Newport was crucial to the eventual Yorktown campaign. The U.S. Department of the Interior declared it a Registered National Historic Landmark in 1968. 

What's Nearby

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

Front of the Hunter House in Rhode Island

Newport, RI 02840

Former HQ of the French fleet in North America

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A grassy yard filled with blooming yellow daffodils stretches across the foreground. Behind the flowers stands a large historic red building with white trim, multiple windows, and a small columned portico at the main entrance.

Newport, RI 02840

Tavern that hosted British and Loyalist troops

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A light‑colored historic building with dark shutters and a central double‑door entrance sits on a corner lot, featuring three dormer windows on the roof and a short staircase leading up from the sidewalk.

Newport, RI 02840

1780 headquarters of the Comte de Rochambeau

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A beige building with brown trim and a columned portico stands behind a garden of bright flowers and neatly trimmed shrubs, bordered by a wrought‑iron fence and stone posts.

Newport, RI 02840

Only purpose-built synagogue to survive the Rev War

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A large boulder with a bronze plaque attached commemorating the burning of British ships.

Newport, RI 02840

Marker describing the destruction of the HMS Liberty

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Newport, RI 02840

America's first purpose-built library

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World War 1 Memorial Tower at Motonomi Memorial Park

Newport, RI 02840

Tactical position during the Battle of Rhode Island

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Stone marker denoting the location of Green End Fort

Middletown, RI 02842

French defensive position in 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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