It was here in 1772 where Rhode Island patriots took the first organized military action towards independence by attacking and burning the hated British revenue schooner HMS Gaspée.

This was America's "First Blow for Freedom", known as the Gaspee Affair, and led directly to the establishment of permanent Committees of Correspondence, unifying the individual colonies, and starting the process of the American Revolution.

[4] During the early 19th-century, Christopher and William Rhodes formed the textile manufacturing firm which controlled the prosperity and swayed the destiny of Pawtuxet for more than half a century.

[6] In the 21st-century, Pawtuxet Village became known as a food destination, with eateries ranging from a tea room, Parisian cafe, Irish pub, Thai restaurant, creperie, ice cream, and more.

[11] The parade showcases Rhode Island's many ceremonial Independent Military Organizations as well as Colonial Fife & Drum Corps and bands from as far away as Connecticut and Massachusetts.