Teacher Resource Packet

The American Revolution in Portsmouth, RI

Portsmouth, RI

Grades 5-12 (adaptable)·2-3 class periods

# 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.

This Packet Includes

Learning Objectives & Essential Questions
3 Reading & Activity Handouts
Assessment Quiz (5 questions)
Answer Key

Name: Date: Period:

Learning Objectives

By the end of this unit, you will be able to:

Students will explain the significance of Portsmouth in the American Revolution
Students will analyze primary sources from the Revolutionary period
Students will compare perspectives of different historical actors
Students will connect local history to broader Revolutionary themes

Essential Questions

Keep these questions in mind as you work through this packet:

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?

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?"

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

Name: Date: Period:

Portsmouth Event Timeline

timeline

Students place key events in chronological order and add details

# Portsmouth Revolutionary Timeline

Instructions: Place the following events in order and add one detail about each.

---

| Event | Date | Significance |

|-------|------|-------------|

| | | |

Name: Date: Period:

Primary Source Analysis

graphic organizer

Structured analysis of Revolutionary-era documents

# Primary Source Analysis Worksheet

## Source Information

Title: _________________
Author: _________________
Date: _________________
Type: _________________

## Observation

What do you notice? (List 3 things)

## Reflection

What do you wonder? (List 2 questions)

## Analysis

What does this source tell us about Portsmouth during the Revolution?

_______________________________________________

## Perspective

Whose voice is represented? Whose might be missing?

_______________________________________________

Name: Date: Period:

Key Figures Profile

worksheet

Research template for Revolutionary figures

# Revolutionary Figure Profile

## Basic Information

Name: _________________
Birth/Death Years: _________________
Occupation(s): _________________

## Role in the Revolution

## Reflection

Which figure interests you most and why?

_______________________________________________

Name: Date: Period:

Portsmouth in the American Revolution

Answer the following questions based on our study of Revolutionary history.

1. What makes Portsmouth significant in Revolutionary history?
AIt was the site of important Revolutionary eventsBIt had no connection to the RevolutionCIt was founded after the RevolutionDIt was a British stronghold throughout the war
2. Primary sources are documents or objects created during the time period being studied.
True False
3. Name one event that occurred in Portsmouth during the Revolutionary period and explain its significance.
Answer:
4. Why is it important to consider multiple perspectives when studying history?
ADifferent people experienced events differentlyBIt makes history more confusingCOnly one perspective is ever correctDPerspectives don't matter in history
5. Describe one connection between this town and another Revolutionary-era town we discussed.
Answer:

Portsmouth in the American Revolution

The American Revolution in Portsmouth, RI — Portsmouth, RI

1.What makes Portsmouth significant in Revolutionary history?
Answer:A
Portsmouth played a significant role in the American Revolution as evidenced by the events we studied.
2.Primary sources are documents or objects created during the time period being studied.
Answer:True
Primary sources provide firsthand evidence about historical events.
3.Name one event that occurred in Portsmouth during the Revolutionary period and explain its significance.
Answer:[Varies - accept any accurate event with reasonable explanation]
Students should identify a specific event and connect it to broader Revolutionary themes.
4.Why is it important to consider multiple perspectives when studying history?
Answer:A
Multiple perspectives help us understand the full complexity of historical events.
5.Describe one connection between this town and another Revolutionary-era town we discussed.
Answer:[Varies - accept any accurate connection]
Students should demonstrate understanding of the interconnected nature of Revolutionary events.