Newport, Rhode Island has long been considered a crucial seaport and throughout the American Revolution, the strategic city was occupied by both the British and French Armies. As part of these occupations, both sides built fortifications on the outskirts of town to prepare for a possible attack from the enemy. But while most earthen fortifications on the ever-changing Aquidneck Island have been leveled to construct neighborhoods and businesses over the years, one distinct fortification remains: Green End Fort.
History
18th-century Newport, Rhode Island was a thriving coastal community, known for its deep natural harbor, vibrant and welcoming people, and robust maritime trade and commerce. At the outset of the American Revolution, colonists were well aware that Newport would be a prime target for the British fleet and was likely to be occupied. Small fortifications were established at key points around the island (and on nearby Goat and Conanicut Islands) to defend against an attack or incursion; however, it was clear that the British Navy dominated the sea and that so long as the Americans lacked a competent naval force, preventing a British invasion of Newport was futile.
On December 7, 1776, British warships arrived in Newport Harbor and made preparations to occupy the city. This was not a surprise to the citizens of Newport, who had heard rumors of an impending invasion (many, mostly patriots and those who feared the British and Hessian troops, fled the city in anticipation). Approximately 6,000 soldiers under command of General Henry Clinton landed and met little resistance. So began a nearly three-year long occupation.
In order to protect Newport and its harbor, the British established a string of earthen fortifications and outposts to protect the land approaches to the city. This included a defensive line to the north of Newport, located approximately along modern-day Green End Avenue. One such fortification was located on a rise near Easton Pond, which offered a commanding view of Green End Valley and the Atlantic Ocean to the south. Despite an intended joint American and French attack on Newport in the fall of 1778, the British fortifications were never tested during the Battle of Rhode Island on August 29, 1778.
After the establishment of a Franco-American alliance in 1778, the British abandoned Newport in October 1779 believing it no longer to be tenable (British forces were concentrated in New York City). Sadly, Newport and its economy were left in absolute ruin after nearly three years of British & Hessian occupation.
On July 11, 1780, thousands of French soldiers under command of General Rochambeau landed in Newport, at what is now King Park on Wellington Avenue. The French occupation of Newport proved to be beneficial to the town and its people, as the respectful French troops infused hard currency into the local economy and reconstructed numerous buildings throughout the town.
As part of the French occupation, the building (and re-building) of fortifications around Newport was promptly undertaken. On the site of Green End Fort, American and French forces established a formidable earthen fortification, known as “Redoubt Saintonge” (after the French Saintonge Infantry Regiment that was stationed there). This was constructed to counter an expected British attack on the city. This redoubt was occupied by French forces until their departure in June 1781.
The earthen fortifications, known as both Green End Fort and Redoubt Saintonge, remained essentially untouched throughout the late 1700s and 1800s. In 1894, residents of the area recognized its role and importance in the American Revolution and sought to save it from being leveled and used for farmland or construction. Thankfully, the site was purchased and preserved. In 1923, the property was given to the Newport Historical Society in order for it to be managed and preserved for the foreseeable future.
Interesting Facts
- Adam-Philippe, Count de Custine-Sarreck was the commander of the Saintonge Regiment that was stationed at Green End Fort (he was executed in Paris in 1793 during the French Revolution)
- Citizens William Watts Sherman, Harold Brown, and Nicholas Brown purchased the land where the fortification sits from Francis and Stephen Barker in hopes of preserving the historic site
- Recent research and work by Kenneth Walsh, Ph.D, of Middletown has led to the understanding that Green End Fort was utilized as a French Redoubt from 1780-1781
Our Visit & Recommendations
Today, Green End Fort is tucked away in a neighborhood along Vernon Avenue, between Green End Avenue and Miantonomi Avenue (to find it, simply put “Green End Fort” into your GPS). Parking is only available along the side of the road, so be mindful of the nearby houses and any passing cars.
Over the past 240 years, Green End Fort has sat in silence amidst ongoing construction and changes, yet remains remarkably intact. This is entirely due to the preservation efforts of citizens in the 1890s, who recognized the historic importance of the fortification, and the Newport Historical Society, which has done an excellent job preserving the fort. As recently as 2018, an information panel was placed at the site, offering a wealth of information about the fortification’s history.
Near the center of the fortification stands a stone monument, marking it as Green End Fort, built in 1777 by British forces to defend Newport. This monument also lists the names of the gentlemen in the 1890s, who purchased and sold the land in order to preserve the site. It is pretty neat to think that even 130 years ago, citizens understood the importance of preserving historic sites from the American Revolution (they themselves were living in history, a mere 30 years removed from the American Civil War!).
Although neighboring houses and trees block the commanding view that Green End Fort once had, you can still get a feel for the prominent position that it once held. One can only imagine the expansive pastoral scene British and French troops had from the fort during those years of the American Revolution!