Teacher Resources
Portsmouth
# Portsmouth, Rhode Island *[needs_review — scaffold only]* The Battle of Rhode Island (August 29, 1778) was fought across Newport and Portsmouth. The First Rhode Island Regiment — composed largely of enslaved men who were promised freedom in exchange for service — performed with particular distinction, holding off three Hessian charges at Butts Hill. Historians consider it one of the earliest documented examples of a Black military unit fighting in an organized American engagement. The Butts Hill Fort site is in Portsmouth.
Grade Range
5-12 (adaptable)
Duration
2-3 class periods
Included
4 Resources
What's Included
Everything
You Need
- Full lesson plan (2-3 class periods)
- Quiz with answer key (5 questions)
- Differentiation strategies (struggling / advanced / ELL)
- 3 printable handouts
Lesson Overview
# Portsmouth, Rhode Island *[needs_review — scaffold only]* The Battle of Rhode Island (August 29, 1778) was fought across Newport and Portsmouth. The First Rhode Island Regiment — composed largely of enslaved men who were promised freedom in exchange for service — performed with particular distinction, holding off three Hessian charges at Butts Hill. Historians consider it one of the earliest documented examples of a Black military unit fighting in an organized American engagement. The Butts Hill Fort site is in Portsmouth.
Essential Questions
- Why did events in Portsmouth matter to the Revolution?
- How do different sources tell different stories about the same events?
- Whose voices are missing from the historical record?
Lesson Plan
In the Classroom
Learning Objectives
- 1Students will explain the significance of Portsmouth in the American Revolution
- 2Students will analyze primary sources from the Revolutionary period
- 3Students will compare perspectives of different historical actors
- 4Students will connect local history to broader Revolutionary themes
Warm-Up · 5-10 minutes
Show an image or map of Portsmouth today. Ask: "What do you know about this place? What questions do you have about its history?"
Direct Instruction · 15-20 minutes
· Introduction to Portsmouth's role in the Revolution
· Key events and their significance
Closure · 5-10 minutes
Exit ticket: "What surprised you most about this history? What questions remain?"
Differentiation Strategies
Struggling Learners
Provide sentence starters, pre-highlighted sources, peer support
Advanced Learners
Additional primary sources, independent research extension, comparative essay
ELL Support
Visual supports, bilingual glossary, partner work, simplified source excerpts
Assessment
Portsmouth in the American Revolution
Answer the following questions based on our study of Revolutionary history.
What makes Portsmouth significant in Revolutionary history?
multiple choice
Primary sources are documents or objects created during the time period being studied.
true false
Name one event that occurred in Portsmouth during the Revolutionary period and explain its significance.
short answer
+ 2 more questions in the full packet
Ready to Print?
The full teacher packet includes cover page, lesson plan, all primary source worksheets, quiz, answer key, and standards alignment — formatted for classroom printing.