The Battle of Rhode Island took place in 1778. It was held to recapture the Aquidneck Island from the British forces.

The Battle of Rhode Island is a significant historical event for being the very first joint sea and land operation of the combined French and American forces. It was also the first battle where the segregated unit of African American soldiers, known as the 1st Rhode Island Regiment, fought in. Both sides claimed victory after this clash.

These events made the Battle of Rhode Island Site very significant today. It is where a series of firsts happened in history, making the site eligible to be declared as a National Historic Landmark. However, today’s site is only just a portion of the original battlefield.