Bristol in Bristol County, Rhode Island — The American Northeast (New England)
The War of Independence / Honor Roll
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), May 5, 2023
1. The War of Independence side of the memorial
Voice of the People
In response to the "Boston Tea Party" the citizens of Bristol in the Town Meeting of February 28, 1774 adopted an 11-point resolution in support which included these words:
"Instead of exploring another asylum, with the blood of our ancestors boiling in our veins we are determined to join with our brethren on the Continent in all Lawful measures to Defend our rights and privileges in this good land which our fathers have transmitted to us, their posterity, as a token of their dearest affection."
The Bombardment
A fleet of fifteen warships under the command of Capt. James Wallace, anchored here, on Saturday, October 7, 1775, and demanded thirty cattle and four hundred sheep. When the demand was refused, the town was bombarded for an hour and a half, damaging many homes and terrorizing the citizens.
The Burning
Five hundred British and Hessian troops under Lt. Col. John Campbell landed two miles north of this site on Sunday, May 25, 1778 and invaded Warren, where they burned the Warren Baptist Church and several other buildings, and destroyed longboats of the Continental Army. Returning to Bristol, they looted many homes and burned thirty buildings, including St. Michael's Church.
this page online
French Troops
French troops under Major Gen. Lafayette occupied several positions in Bristol and Warren in August 1778.
Celebration of Independence
The people of Bristol first celebrated Independence Day on July 4, 1785, a tradition Bristolians proudly continue.
[Names listed]
Erected 2010 by The Fourth of July Chief Marshal's Association; Town of Bristol, Rhode Island.
Topics. This memorial is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Patriots & Patriotism • War, US Revolutionary • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical date for this entry is February 28, 1774.
Location. 41° 40.422′ N, 71° 16.754′ W. Marker is in Bristol, Rhode Island, in Bristol County. Memorial is on Thames Street north of Franklin Street, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 460 Thames St, Bristol RI 02809, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Historical Hurricane Flooding (within shouting distance of this marker); Columbus Quincentennial Memorial (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Historical Bristol (about 400 feet away); a different
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), May 5, 2023
3. The War of Independence side of the memorial
Credits. This page was last revised on May 9, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 9, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 68 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on May 9, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. Transcription of the names on the memorial. • Can you help?
