Documentary tells R.I.’s Revolutionary War story
‘1778: Battle of Rhode Island’ will be available to the public Sept. 1 after summer screenings at historical societies
PORTSMOUTH — A new documentary telling the story of Rhode Island’s Revolutionary War experience — including the 1778 Battle of Rhode Island — will be released to the general public …
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Documentary tells R.I.’s Revolutionary War story
‘1778: Battle of Rhode Island’ will be available to the public Sept. 1 after summer screenings at historical societies
PORTSMOUTH — A new documentary telling the story of Rhode Island’s Revolutionary War experience — including the 1778 Battle of Rhode Island — will be released to the general public today, Sept. 1.
“1778: Battle of Rhode Island” is an 18-minute documentary produced by the Battle of Rhode Island Association (BoRIA). The film traces the state’s Revolutionary War story from the British occupation of Newport to the Battle of Rhode Island, the only major Revolutionary War battle fought in Rhode Island.
According to Joe Studick, founding director of BoRIA, the film premiered July 16 at the Portsmouth Historical Society before an audience of more than 100 people.
“We premiered our film at the Portsmouth Historical Society in July and since then it has been shown at a number of other historical societies,” Studick said. “We release it to the general public via the BoRIA newsletter/website and RI250 Commission website on Sept. 1.”
The film highlights the human cost of the British occupation, the role of the 1st Rhode Island Regiment and the challenges posed by the French-American alliance. Black soldiers in the regiment earned their freedom by enlisting and fought with distinction during the campaign.
The Battle of Rhode Island began as a joint French-American effort. About 10,000 American troops under Major General John Sullivan faced roughly 7,000 British and German defenders commanded by British General Sir Robert Pigot.
The French fleet, under Admiral d’Estaing, was forced to withdraw to Boston after being damaged in a storm before the fighting began Aug. 29, 1778.
The battle became a test of American resolve, with fighting along the island’s defensive lines and a retreat that included stands at Quaker Hill and the West Road redoubt. The First Rhode Island Regiment played a notable role in the action.
Produced by BoRIA, the film was funded by grants from the RI250 Commission and the Papitto Opportunity Connection. It is based largely on Christian McBurney’s 2011 book, “The Rhode Island Campaign: The First French and American Operation in the Revolutionary War.”
The documentary will be available beginning Sept. 1 through the BoRIA newsletter and website and the RI250 Commission website.
The film also can be viewed on YouTube here.
