R.I. provided the ‘first spark’ for the American Revolution

PROVIDENCE — As Rhode Island prepares to celebrate the Fourth of July and the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, we asked Secretary of State Gregg M. Amore to answer some questions about the state’s role in the American Revolution.

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Amore previously worked at East Providence High School for 27 years, teaching US history, civics, and government courses.

Q: What are some of the major events being planned in Rhode Island to celebrate the semiquincentennial — the 250th anniversary of the United States?

Amore: Our semiquincentennial commemorations began years ago, but the festivities are certainly hitting their peak this week. On Saturday, July 4, we’re hosting a special concert by the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra beginning at 6:30 p.m. on the State House steps, followed by a WaterFire lighting.

Earlier in the day (1 to 3 p.m.), you can visit the State House to see all three of the State Archives’ copies of the Declaration of Independence. We’ve also been hosting Liberty Tree plantings in each city and town, with more to come, and supporting programming led by municipal 250 committees throughout the state. You can see all of our programming and partner programs online.

While the Boston Tea Party in December 1773 gets a lot of the publicity, don’t the roots of the American Revolution reach back further to what some rebellious Rhode Islanders did in June 1772?

Rhode Islanders are proud of their independent streak — and for good reason. The Boston Tea Party does get a lot of attention, but real Revolutionary historians know that the “first spark” of the American Revolution took place in Warwick, R.I., when Rhode Islanders burned the British Royal Navy’s HMS Gaspee.

Which state was the first to renounce British rule, and what led to that decision?

On May 4, 1776, the Rhode Island General Assembly officially repealed Rhode Island Colony’s allegiance to the King — the first colony to do so after finally deciding enough was enough, and the colony would no longer be subject to British rule without representation. The Act of Renunciation was passed two months before the Declaration of Independence.

Which state was the last to ratify the US Constitution, and what took so long?

Rhode Island’s independent spirit continued through the ratification of the Constitution. Rhode Island was the last state to ratify, holding out for a Bill of Rights — and because we wanted to keep using our own currency. We got the Bill of Rights, but we’ve assimilated to the American dollar.

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Which Rhode Islanders signed the Declaration of Independence, and why did one do so with a shaking hand?

This is one of my favorite stories to tell. Rhode Island’s two signers of the Declaration — Stephen Hopkins and William Ellery — are even pictured in my office. Stephen Hopkins was suffering from what we know now was Parkinson’s disease. It caused a tremor in his hand. Concurrently, signing the Declaration was truly an act of defiance — something the signers didn’t take lightly. Not wanting others to confuse his medical condition for fear, Hopkins stated as he signed, “My hand trembles, but my heart does not.”

What role did the First Rhode Island Regiment play in the Revolution?

The story of the First Rhode Island Regiment is one of the often lesser-known stories we are working hard to highlight through RI250. The First Rhode Island Regiment was the first integrated regiment in American history, made up of white, Black, and Indigenous soldiers — who were fighting for their freedom on many levels. These soldiers were memorialized in a beautiful portrait, “Brave Men as Ever Fought,” which we commissioned a reproduction of so that more Rhode Islanders can see and learn about this important history.

How many copies of the Declaration of Independence does Rhode Island have, and where can people view them?

The State Archives has three copies of the Declaration of Independence, which is pretty special. On July 4, all three will be on display at the State House from 1 to 3 p.m. We’ve also taken copies directly to Rhode Islanders at displays throughout the state; there are more still to come.

Where are Rhode Island’s historic documents stored now, and how can members of the public view them?

Right now, Rhode Island’s historic documents are primarily stored at a leased facility on Broad Street. But unfortunately, the space is not conducive to permanent display, because the preservation needs of the artifacts can’t be met. Documents are viewable for short periods of time by appointment only.

What question will be on the ballot in November regarding a proposal to borrow $45 million for a Rhode Island State History Center, and what is your argument for it?

Rhode Island has so many historic treasures, and they should be displayed proudly and preserved properly. I’m excited that after years of advocacy by both myself and my predecessor, and so many other supporters, Rhode Islanders will have the chance to vote on a Rhode Island State History Center bond question this fall. Constructing a dedicated State History Center would give those historic treasures a display space and education center fitting of their importance. I can’t think of a better permanent legacy project for this semiquincentennial year.

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