The Franklin Mint History Of The United States, 1776-1973
Manufacturer
The Franklin Mint
CultureAmerican
DateNo Date
MediumSilver
DimensionsOverall: 1 3/4 in. (45 mm.)
Credit LineGift of Dr. Eugene F. Poutasse
Object number76.81.5
Not on view
DescriptionOne of collection of 200 silver medals.The 1780 medal: Washington Joined by French Army at Newport
Newport had been a British naval base garrisoned by 4,000 men. To help protect the British West Indies against French raids during 1779, the British sent 8,000 men from America. To meet this need, Newport was abandoned and the Americans moved in.
The 5,000 French troops under Rochambeau that landed in July, 1780 at Newport were the first under the French alliance to arrive on New York but nothing came of it. There is an interesting aftermath, though- Washington returned to West Point following this meeting an hour after Benedict Arnold had escaped.
