In June 1772, a British customs schooner called HMS Gaspee was enforcing unpopular trade laws off the coast of Rhode Island, stopping and searching local ships suspected of smuggling.

The ship and its captain, Lt. William Dudingston, were hated by colonists—especially Rhode Island merchants.

One night, after the Gaspee ran aground near Warwick, a group of about 60 Rhode Islanders (many in disguise) rowed out to the ship, shot the captain, took the crew prisoner, and burned the ship to the waterline.

No one was ever punished, and the boldness of this act helped unify the colonies through newly formed Committees of Correspondence, to keep each other informed and build solidarity.