Thursday, October 6th at 5:30pm
Colony House, Washington Square
On July 29, 1778, a powerful French naval squadron sailed confidently to the entrance of Narragansett Bay, which commenced the first joint French and American campaign of the Revolutionary War. Author Christian McBurney will discuss this event and his new book, The Rhode Island Campaign: The First French and American Operation of the Revolutionary War, which is the most detailed study of the joint French and American effort to capture the British garrison occupying Newport during July and August of 1778.
One of the most complex and multi-faceted events of the American Revolution, the campaign combined land and sea strategies and featured controversial decisions on both sides. McBurney will also explain why the ultimate Battle of Rhode Island, previously downplayed by historians, was a victory for the Americans and was significant in foretelling a promising future for the American army.
A graduate of Brown University, McBurney is a partner in a Washington, DC law firm. He is the author of several books and articles on early Rhode Island history, including A History of Kingston, Rhode Island, 1700–1900 and British Treatment of Prisoners During the Occupation of Newport, 1776–1779.
Admission costs $5 per person, $1 for Historical Society members with membership card. Persons with mobility issues should call in advance. Reservations requested. 401-841-8770