The Battle of Rhode Island was the only engagement of the Revolutionary War that was fought on Rhode Island soil and the first joint-operation between French and American forces. Although Newport was not re-captured from the British (the overall goal of the operation), the patriot forces proved their mettle in combat. In particular, the 1st Rhode Island Regiment, comprised mostly of free blacks, Native Americans, and slaves, fought valiantly. Sadly, many have either never heard of or know very little of this battle; however, a few battlefield locations remain and can be visited today!
History
In December 1776, British forces landed in Newport, Rhode Island and easily captured the key port city. Over the next few months, the approximately 6,000 British and Hessian troops (two brigades of each) occupied defenses around Aquidneck Island. In response to the British occupation of Newport, patriot militia and regular troops began to gather around the strategic Tiverton Heights Fort (later named Fort Barton) in modern-day Tiverton, Rhode Island from mid to late 1777. But despite a daring raid led by Colonel William Barton on July 9, 1777, which resulted in the capture of British General William Prescott, little else was accomplished by the patriot forces in Rhode Island that year (this was largely due to lack of troops and supplies, missed opportunities, and poor leadership).
While the main Continental Army suffered through winter quarters at Valley Forge, news arrived in early 1778 that American representatives in France signed the Treaty of Alliance and the Treaty of Amity and Commerce on February 6th of that year. Officially, France had joined the war in support of the Americans. With this new ally, General Washington and the Continental Congress desired to leverage the naval and financial strength of the French to force a decisive victory against the British. In late spring 1778, French Vice Admiral Count d’Estaing departed Toulon, France with a fleet and headed for the North American coast. In April 1778, General Washington appointed General John Sullivan to manage the American forces in Rhode Island, who established his headquarters in Providence.
By early July 1778, Admiral d’Estaing’s fleet blockaded an inferior fleet of British ships near Sandy Hook, New Jersey; however, he believed that the draft of his ships was too deep to cross over the bar and into New York Harbor for an assault on British-occupied New York City. Then on July 17th, General Washington received a letter from the Continental Congress, which proposed operations against British-occupied Newport, Rhode Island. Thus, General Washington and Admiral d’Estaing agreed to conduct joint operations against Newport. On July 24th, General Sullivan received word of the planned operation and immediately got to work organizing the supplies, men, and logistics necessary to effectively lead a Franco-American force in the invasion of Aquidneck Island (the Marquis de Lafayette was to coordinate with the French forces, to include the French fleet led by Admiral d’Estaing). The intent was to utilize a combined land-sea force to lay siege to the British garrison in Newport and recapture the city.
On July 28, 1778, Admiral d’Estaing’s fleet arrived off Point Judith, Rhode Island. This fleet consisted of 12 ships-of-the-line, four frigates, and four troop carriers with approximately 4,000 French soldiers. Their arrival prompted British Sir Robert Pigot, then in command of British forces in Newport, to scuttle his transports (in an attempt to block the harbor) and set fire to nine warships. Then on August 8th, the French fleet sailed into the east passage of Narragansett Bay, past Newport Harbor, and anchored off of Jamestown (Conanicut) Island. In preparation for the invasion, General Washington dispatched the Marquis de Lafayette with ~2,200 Continental troops from the main army, which consisted of General James Varnum’s Brigade and General John Glover’s Brigade. General Sullivan’s army soon consisted of nearly 11,000 men, both regular troops and militia. On August 9th, the American army crossed the Sakonnet River at Howland’s Ferry and landed on the northern tip of Aquidneck Island unopposed.
As the American army gathered about Fort Barton in Tiverton, d’Estaing’s fleet began to disembark its troops onto Jamestown (Conanicut) Island; however, the arrival of a British fleet under Admiral Lord Richard Howe at the mouth of Narragansett Bay prompted d’Estaing to re-load his troops and head out to sea to engage the somewhat smaller enemy fleet. To the dismay of General Sullivan and the American troops, the French fleet weighed anchor and headed out to sea on August 10th. But before either fleet could properly engage the other, a violent two-day storm battered the region, leaving both the French and British fleets in tatters.
On August 15th, the American army moved south down Aquidneck Island in an attempt to establish siege lines outside of Newport, which included a prominent position on Honeyman’s Hill in Middletown. For the next five days, both sides exchanged artillery barrages, with little effect. On August 20th, the French fleet limped back towards the Rhode Island coast and anchored off Brenton Point. Admiral d’Estaing informed General Sullivan that his fleet, to include the 4,000 French soldiers, would not be able to participate in the siege of Newport. Instead, he intended on taking his battered fleet to Boston for repairs, which he did on August 22nd. This news led to a rash of desertions from the American army and all but destroyed any chance for success in the siege; therefore, General Sullivan decided to lift the siege and ordered the remaining American force to march north to evacuate the island. On the evening of August 24th, the evacuation began and over the next four days, the crucial artillery and supplies had been moved back to the mainland. On August 28th, General Sullivan ordered the front line of defense to retreat north to coalesce around Butts Hill Fort (former British earthworks) and other fortified positions on the hills of Portsmouth. By the morning of August 29th, the American army consisted of only 5,000 troops.
When British General Pigot realized the Americans had abandoned their siege lines, he immediately prepared for an offensive. About 5,000 of his 6,700 British and Hessian troops set out to hopefully pounce upon the retreating American army and steal a victory; however, what General Pigot did not realize was that the American army was well-entrenched in the northern portion of the island. In preparation for the British advance, General Sullivan dispatched skirmishers southward to engage and slow down the enemy force. American skirmishers positioned themselves along East and West Main Roads to block the enemy advance. Around 7AM, the Battle of Rhode Island began when American skirmishers engaged the enemy force. Notably, British Lt. Colonel John Campbell’s Regiment was ambushed near the Union Meeting House, at the intersection of East Main Road and Union Street. After a brief fire fight, these skirmishers wisely fell back in the face of a superior foe.
In preparation for the British advance, General Sullivan had established three lines of battle: the first line was south of Butts Hill Fort, the second line was north of Butts Hill Fort, and the third line was a reserve force positioned approximately 1/2 mile north of Butts Hill Fort. As British troops fought their way up East Main Road and past Quaker Hill, Hessian troops barreled down West Main Road and pushed the American troops into their fortified positions atop Turkey Hill (#4 on the map below). Shortly thereafter, the aggressive Hessian troops captured Almy Hill and Turkey Hill and fighting raged up and down the American line, as British and Hessian troops attempted to break through and route the American forces.
An American redoubt on the southern slope of Lehigh Hill (#7) served as the anchor of the American right wing near the shore of Narragansett Bay and was manned by the First Rhode Island Regiment, which included 138 free blacks, Native Americans, and slaves who were promised freedom for their service. These men experienced some of the most brutal fighting of the day, as British and Hessian troops launched three attacks against that portion of the American line (the American troops on this flank were under the overall command of Rhode Island native, General Nathanael Greene). Around 2PM, the third enemy assault charged towards the American right flank and pushed the patriot forces back; however, General Greene ordered a counterattack, which was carried out by ~1,500 troops of Colonel Israel Angell’s Second Rhode Island Regiment and General James Lovell’s second-line Brigade. This aggressive counterattack drove the British and Hessian forces back towards Turkey Hill. Amidst this hot action, the First Rhode Island Regiment withstood harrowing assaults from the enemy along with bombardment from four British warships from Narragansett Bay.
Fighting continued well into the late afternoon in the form of cannonading and around 7PM, two fresh British regiments arrived from Newport. As nightfall fell over Aquidneck Island, both armies remained in position and the cannon fire dwindled- the British army still held the strategic heights of Turkey and Quaker Hills. The Battle of Rhode Island was over.
It wasn’t until around 6PM on August 30th that General Sullivan ordered his army to evacuate Aquidneck Island. John Glover and his famed Marbleheaders managed the evacuation across the Sakonnet River, which likely paled in comparison to the rigors they experienced in evacuating the American army off Long Island in August 1776 and the midnight crossing of the Delaware River on Christmas Night 1776. In the end, the American army lost 30 killed, 137 wounded, and 44 missing in the Battle of Rhode Island, while the British & Hessian troops lost an estimated 38 killed, 210 wounded, and 12 missing.
Interesting Facts
- Despite being in the region, the Marquis de Lafayette missed the Battle of Rhode Island. He was on a trip to/from Boston in an attempt to convince French Admiral d’Estaing to return to the waters off of Newport
- There were 202 members of the First Rhode Island Regiment- 138 of those were men of color, to include free blacks, Native Americans, and slaves
- With over 10,000 troops engaged between the two armies, the Battle of Rhode Island goes down as the largest military engagement in New England history
Our Visit & Recommendations
Although Aquidneck Island has been built up considerably since the Battle of Rhode Island took place over 240 years ago, there are still six locations associated with the battle that you can visit in order to better picture and understand the engagement. Those six locations are highlighted here and include:
1 – The corner of Union Street and East Main Road/Portsmouth Historical Society
2 – Legion Park (Quaker Hill)
3 – Headquarters of General Lafayette
4 – Heritage Park (Turkey Hill)
5 – Patriots Park
6 – Butts Hill Fort
1 – Union Street & East Main Road/Portsmouth Historical Society (870 East Main Road, Portsmouth, RI)
This normal street corner was once the site of a fierce fire-fight between British regular troops and American skirmishers- in fact, this is considered the first fighting of the Battle of Rhode Island! Today, the Portsmouth Historical Society occupies the street corner and is headquartered in the 1865 Christian Union Church. There is also a large stone marker dedicated to the opening action of the battle, which was erected on August 29, 1910, by the William Ellery and Colonel William Barton Chapters, Daughters of the American Revolution. Impressively, this marker is made of 2 tons of Westerly granite. Of course, the Portsmouth Historical Society has a wealth of information about the battle and is well worth a visit!
2 – Legion Park (Quaker Hill)
At the intersection of East Main Road and Middle Road is Legion Park, which sits atop Quaker Hill (so named because of the Quaker Meeting House that occupies the site). Although today it now has numerous war memorials and sits amidst a very busy intersection, it was once the scene of ferocious fighting on August 29, 1778. Colonel John Trumbull witnessed the fighting here and described it as such:
I had to mount the hill by a broad, smooth road, more than a mile in length from the foot to the summit where was the scene of conflict…at first I saw a round shot or two drop near me and pass bounding on. I met poor Colonel Toussard, who had just lost one arm blown off by the discharge of a field piece, for the possession of which there was an ardent struggle. He was led off by a small party. Soon after, I saw Captain Walker of H. Jackson’s regiment, who had received a musket ball through his body, mounted behind a person on horseback. He bid me a melancholy farewell and died before night. Next grapeshot began to sprinkle around me and soon after musket balls fell in my path like hailstones. This was not to be borne. I spurred on my horse to the summit of the hill and found myself in the midst of the melee.”
Colonel John Trumbull
Today, there is also a birch tree that was dedicated as a “Liberty Tree” in August 1978, which is marked by a stone monument. On the opposite side of the park from this monument is a beautiful 18-pound British naval cannon on display. This gun was once onboard the HMS Flora, which was a British warship that fought in the Battle of Rhode Island (it lobbed rounds onto the retreating American troops). Eventually, the cannon was spiked and dumped into Newport Harbor, where it lay for nearly 170 years. It wasn’t until 1940 when the cannon was discovered during dredging operations. After being restored, it was given to the Portsmouth Historical Society in 1953.
Across from Legion Park is a white and blue building, which is the Portsmouth Friends Meeting House. Built circa 1700, this structure served as a Quaker house of worship and school and stood during the Battle of Rhode Island (it was previously occupied by British troops at one point). Today, the Meeting House still serves as an active church and holds services weekly.
3 – General Lafayette Headquarters
Although French General Marquis de Lafayette did not participate in the Battle of Rhode Island (he was on an urgent trip to Boston to appeal to Admiral d’Estaing for assistance), he did stay with the American forces when they occupied the northern portions of Aquidneck Island prior to the battle. For his residence/headquarters, Lafayette occupied a private residence located along East Main Road (today at 2851 East Main Road), known as the Joseph Dennis House (circa 1760). This beautiful house still stands today and has a small tablet on its front; however, it serves as a private residence, so be respectful if you decide to visit!
4 – Heritage Park (Turkey Hill)
Turkey Hill, which saw much of the fighting from that day, is preserved as Heritage Park. The best way to get to this site is to head north on West Main Road, turn right onto Hedley Street, and left onto Highpoint Avenue (it will be on your left). Many do not know about this small historic park that is tucked away just off of busy West Main Road- but they should! Although much of the battlefield is not preserved (it was primarily fought in the valley between Turkey and Almy Hills to the south and Lehigh Hill to the north), Heritage Park offers a glimpse of a key strategic portion of the battlefield.
The park has a short paved pathway, which will take you across Turkey Hill and to a back pasture. In this area, you will find an interpretive sign that provides detailed information about the fighting at Turkey Hill and the Battle of Rhode Island in general. Heritage Park is quite peaceful and offers visitors a quiet place to reflect on the battle and the sacrifices that so many made on that hot August day.
Of note, the sign at Heritage Park incorrectly lists the date of the battle as August 28, 1778 (it took place on August 29th).
5 – Patriots Park
Dedicated in August 2005, Patriots Park serves as a memorial to the 1st Rhode Island Regiment, whose 202 members included 138 free blacks, slaves, and Native Americans. The park is located in between West Main Road (114) and the entrance to Rhode Island Route 24 (if you put “Patriot’s Park” in your GPS, you will find it with no problem).
The Battle of Rhode Island was the first time this newly organized regiment saw combat and it was here on the southern slope of Lehigh Hill that the 1st Rhode Island Regiment gallantly repulsed three vicious attacks from enemy British and Hessian troops. Their stout defense was all the more important, since they held down the crucial right flank of the American line.
Aside from a history of the 1st Rhode Island Regiment and their role in the Battle of Rhode Island, this monument lists the known names of the men of color who faithfully served in the regiment. Recognizing these men is an important step in acknowledging the service and sacrifice that men of color made in the American Revolution.
6 – Butts Hill Fort
Butts Hill Fort, which was originally built as a fortification by the British in 1777, was used as the primary base for the American army during the Battle of Rhode Island in August 1778. Today, Butts Hill Fort is largely overgrown and fairly difficult to visit (although its location is prominently marked by a massive white wind turbine). If you desire to visit, there are two ways to get there: either park near the basketball courts behind Portsmouth High School and walk the trail through the woods to the height of the hill, or you can drive down Fort Street and take the small dirt path up to the top of the hill (if you put “Butts Hill Fort” into your GPS, it will take you this route).
There is a granite marker atop Butts Hill Fort, which was placed on August 29, 1923. It reads:
Butts Hill Fort. These fortifications erected by the British 1777 were occupied by the Americans 1778, becoming the island base of the Continental Army under General Sullivan in the Battle of Rhode Island. They are now consecrated to the immortal memory of those brave men who upon August 29, 1778, withstood the assaults of the more numerous highly trained British Army under General Pigot. – Dedicated to posterity by the Newport Historical Society, August 29, 1923.”
Additionally, the original earthworks are still fairly prominent and can be seen if you walk along the trail on the perimeter of the hill. Remarkably, Butts Hill Fort is the largest preserved Revolutionary War-era earthworks in New England and the only Revolutionary War fort in the state classified as a National Historic Landmark.
Source: The Battle of Rhode Island: August 29, 1778, by: Patrick T. Conley
Book recommendation: The Rhode Island Campaign: The First French and American Operation in the Revolutionary War, by: Christian M. McBurney
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