This is a sketch of cannons on the upper deck of a fort.

Heritage Sites

The places highlighted here — formerly called the Civil War Discovery Trail — are not just any places. They are the celebrated sites and structures that bring the earliest chapters of the American story to life, such as battlefields, historic homes, stations on the Underground Railroad, cemeteries, and parks. Together, they constitute the essential stops on a trail to discovering not only America’s military history, but the political, social and human dimensions of the founding and forging of the United States.

Red gambrel-roof farmhouse built in 1764-1778 with center fireplace
Rev War  |  Historic Site

Joy Homestead

The Joy Homestead sits directly on the Washington–Rochambeau Revolutionary Route (W3R). On June 18, 1781, General Rochambeau and roughly 5,000 French...
A small fortress like brick building sits on a street corner, with arched wooden doors, battlements, and a nearby cannon.
Rev War  |  Museum

Varnum Armory Museum

The Varnum Armory Museum is a medieval‑style armory built in 1913–1914 to serve as the headquarters of the Varnum Continentals and houses one of Rhode...
Bronze marker on boulder to commemorate spot of the burning of the Gaspee
Rev War  |  Historic Site

Gaspee Monument

The monument commemorates the Gaspee Affair, which took place on June 9, 1772. During this event, the Gaspee, a Royal Navy revenue schooner enforcing...