1775 CE: The 1st Rhode Island Regiment is raised.

1778 CE: The Rhode Island Assembly decides to allow enslaved Black and Native American men to enlist in the Continental Army, in exchange for their freedom.

1781 CE: The 1st Rhode Island Regiment is ambushed by a Loyalist militia at the Battle of Pine Bridge; Colonel Christopher Greene is killed along with a major and 8 Black soldiers.

1783 CE: The 1st Rhode Island Regiment is disbanded at Saratoga, New York, after over eight years of service.

1785 CE: The Rhode Island Assembly passes an act promising financial support to any African-American veteran of the Continental Army who needs it.