Heritage Park highlights Aquidneck Island's role in American Revolution
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While you may have had your fill of fireworks, parades, and cookouts to celebrate Independence Day, you may not be aware that remnants of the American Revolution are located right in Portsmouth.
Tucked away on a side street off West Main Street, Heritage Park marks the spot of the Battle of Rhode Island. To the bare eye, this small, unassuming area seems to be no more than a plot of grass in the backyard of an industrial building. But, nearly 250 years ago, you would have found American soldiers, part of the 1st Rhode Island Regiment – and maybe even Maj. Gen. Nathanael Greene – fighting against the British.
The plaque at the former battle site explains that the skirmish sparked when the brigade attempted to retreat from Aquidneck Island. They were the last Continental soldiers left on the island, which was occupied by the British at the time. When the Americans began to retreat, the British attempted to attack them from two angles, meeting them both at present-day Heritage Park and Quaker Hill. The Continental Army pushed the British back from both sides, allowing them to leave the island. Greene was one of the leaders that headed up the effort on the west side, where Heritage Park is today. Although the Americans were able to retreat, the island remained in British control.
The Battle of Rhode Island is also significant because it represents the first time that the Continental Army and the French Army attempted to combine forces during the American Revolution. Despite these efforts, the site plaque details that the French forces did not end up aiding the Continental Army in the battle. Yet, it set the stage for future collaborations between the pair.
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This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: What's Great Off 138? Heritage Park site of American Revolution battle
