Battle of Rhode Island Site - Portsmouth RI
Posted by: 
nomadwillie
N 41° 36.087 W 071° 15.510
19T E 311788 N 4607991
Battle of Rhode Island Site, also known as Site of Battle of Rhode Island or Battle of Rhode Island Historic District, is the partially preserved location of the Battle of Rhode Island in 1778. It took place in the town of Portsmouth, on the island of Rhode Island, in the state of Rhode Island. The island is now known as Aquidneck Island to distinguish the island from the rest of the state.
Waymark Code: WMH894
Location: Rhode Island, United States
Date Posted: 06/06/2013
Views: 10
The Battle of Rhode Island was the first joint American and French operation to result from the alliance of 1778. Its goal was to trap the British that had occupied Newport since December of 1776. American forces invaded Aquidneck Island and advanced south to Newport, besieging the British forces. A hurricane damaged the French fleet that was lying off Newport in support of the American effort, causing it to retire to Boston for repairs and forcing the Americans to abandon the siege and retire northwards, with the British in pursuit. Actions were fought at numerous locations, the sharpest engagement taking place on August 29, with the First Rhode Island Regiment distinguishing itself by fighting off an attempted British flanking action. This encounter is unique in the history of the American Revolution, since it is the only engagement fought during the war in which black Americans participated as a distinct racial group. Encompassing about 356 acres, the battlefield retains all of the major physical features that figured significantly in the battle.
Source: (
visit link)
Street address:
Lehigh Hill and both sides of RI 21 between Medley and Dexter Sts
Lehigh Hill and both sides of RI 21 between Medley and Dexter Sts, RI
County / Borough / Parish: Newport
Year listed: 1974
Historic (Areas of) Significance: Event
Periods of significance: 1750-1799
Historic function: Defense
Current function: Agriculture/Subsistence, Landscape
Privately owned?: no
Primary Web Site: [Web Link]
National Historic Landmark Link: [Web Link]
Season start / Season finish: Not listed
Hours of operation: Not listed
Secondary Website 1: Not listed
Secondary Website 2: Not listed
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Visit Instructions:
Please give the date and brief account of your visit. Include any additional observations or information that you may have, particularly about the current condition of the site. Additional photos are highly encouraged, but not mandatory.