The National Park Service has launched the All-American Road Trip, an America 250 initiative inviting the public to retrace the historic 1781 Allied march to Yorktown that secured American independence, with major events planned in Newport.
The announcement by the Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route National Historic Trail coincides with the premiere of Ken Burns’ six-part PBS documentary series “The American Revolution,” which has sparked renewed interest in Revolutionary-era history.
The initiative transforms the more than 680-mile historic route through nine states and the District of Columbia into a modern travel experience connecting communities and highlighting the Franco-American alliance that helped win the war.
“The 1781 march was far more than a military maneuver; it was a transformational cultural movement that helped define who we are as a nation,” said Johnny Carawan, trail administrator for the Washington-Rochambeau National Historic Trail. “With the All-American Road Trip, we want to make it easier for families and travelers to plan their journeys, explore these historic routes, and experience firsthand how the people, landscapes, and alliances of the Revolutionary era continue to shape America today.”
The campaign will feature living history events, educational programming highlighting France’s role in the Revolution, youth engagement opportunities including Junior Ranger activities, digital storytelling using #RoadTrip250, and partnership events with museums, state and local partners and the Embassy of France.
As part of the national initiative, the Newport Historical Society will present “Occupied! Newport and the Fight for Independence,” a major exhibition running from February through December 2026. The exhibit will guide visitors through Newport’s transformations under Revolutionary, British and French rule between 1775 and 1783 using rare artifacts and firsthand accounts.
A signature event, French in Newport, will take place July 11, 2026, honoring the 6,000 French troops who marched alongside American forces. The commemoration will feature living history, naval heritage programming, cultural activities and family-friendly experiences including a silhouette artist, fife and drums corps, cider press and samples, crafts and colonial costume try-ons.
Travelers can explore the trail and plan itineraries at nps.gov/waro.
Additional Newport resources are available at newporthistory.org.
Statewide commemoration information is at rhodeisland250.org.