People

First president of the College of Rhode Island (later Brown University) who kept the institution functioning through the war years. Manning used the college as a platform for patriot politics and served as a delegate to the Continental Congress. The college's University Hall was used as a barracks and hospital during the conflict.

Wealthy Providence merchant who helped organize the burning of the Gaspee in 1772 and later financed privateering operations during the war. Brown represented the fusion of commercial ambition and revolutionary politics that characterized Providence's contribution to independence.

Member of the powerful Brown family who broke with his brothers over the issue of slavery and became one of New England's earliest abolitionists. Moses used his wealth to support Quaker causes and later helped establish the Rhode Island Anti-Slavery Society. His moral evolution complicated the family's legacy.

Former governor of Rhode Island and signer of the Declaration of Independence. Hopkins was one of the oldest signers — his hands trembled from palsy as he signed, and he reportedly said, "My hand trembles, but my heart does not." He had been arguing against British taxation since the 1760s.

Providence sea captain who led the boats that attacked the Gaspee in 1772 and later served as a captain in the Continental Navy. Whipple captured several British prizes during the war before being taken prisoner at the fall of Charleston in 1780.

Wife of Nathanael Greene who accompanied him to winter camps and maintained correspondence networks that kept Rhode Island connected to the war's progress. Known for her resilience and social intelligence, she managed the family's affairs during her husband's long campaigns in the South.

Rhode Island's most important military figure of the Revolution. A self-taught strategist from a Quaker family, Greene rose from militia private to become Washington's most trusted general. His Southern Campaign of 1780-1781 is considered one of the most skillful operations of the war.

Brother of Stephen Hopkins and the first commander-in-chief of the Continental Navy. His 1776 raid on Nassau in the Bahamas was the Navy's first amphibious operation. He was later censured and dismissed by Congress for failing to follow orders, a controversial end to a significant naval career.