Newport - The Battle of Rhode Island Site

Patriots Park, Portsmouth, RI


Battle of Rhode Island Site

Date of Battle: August 29, 1778

The Battle

Continental forces under the command of General John Sullivan seek to attack the British on Aquidneck Island in Rhode Island. Sullivan relies on the newly arrived French navy under Admiral d’Estaing to provide the necessary naval support.

As the attack begins, the French move out to sea to confront a British fleet moving toward them. Both fleets are scattered and damaged by a hurricane. The French abandon the effort and sail to Boston for repairs. General Sullivan must scramble to remove his men from the island before they are captured.

Visiting the Battleground

Patriots Park in Portsmouth, RI commemorates the historic battle of the Revolutionary War. The park includes a memorial to the 1st Rhode Island Regiment and a memorial to The Battle of Rhode Island.

→ Have you been here? Do you have suggestions for others who are passionate about history and want to make the most of their visit, or recommendations for things nearby that every history lover should see?  Please send them in and we may add them to this page.



Contributor: This list of major Revolutionary War Battles and descriptions was written by Michael Troy, the creator and host of the American Revolution Podcast, who selected these sites and described the battles.

Photo: “The Site of the Battle of Rhode Island” by Kacey Victoria licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons.

Editor: Creation of this trip, including additional research on visiting these historic sites by Donna Keesling, editor at The History List.



Updated April 8, 2022

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