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Portsmouth Colony: A Legacy of Liberty, Dissent, and the New World

The history of the American colonies is often told through the lens of the "Great Migration"—the arrival of the Puritans in Massachusetts Bay and their quest to build a "City upon a Hill." However, the true spirit of what would eventually become the United States was often forged not by those who conformed to the Puritan vision, but by those who were cast out from it. Among these stories of exile and endurance, the Portsmouth Colony stands as a monumental testament to political dissent, gender-defying leadership, and the early stirrings of religious freedom in North America.

Founded in 1638 on Aquidneck Island (now part of Rhode Island), Portsmouth was the second permanent settlement in the region. While it may not always receive the same textbook real estate as Plymouth or Jamestown, its origin story is perhaps the most dramatic and intellectually significant of the era.

The Seeds of Dissent: The Antinomian Controversy

To understand why Portsmouth exists, one must first understand the religious firestorm that consumed Boston in the 1630s. The Massachusetts Bay Colony was a theocracy where the church and state were inextricably linked. The governors and ministers preached a "Covenant of Works," suggesting that moral behavior and adherence to law were evidence of one’s salvation.

Into this rigid society stepped Anne Hutchinson. A brilliant midwife and the daughter of a clergyman, Hutchinson began hosting "conventicles"—private religious meetings in her home—to discuss the weekly sermons. She soon began to critique the ministers, arguing for a "Covenant of Grace." She believed that the Holy Spirit dwelled within a justified person and that salvation was a direct gift from God, independent of a person's "works" or the church's laws.

This theological stance, known as Antinomianism, was seen as a direct threat to the social order. If individuals could communicate directly with God, what need did they have for magistrates or ministers?

The Trial and Banishment

By 1637, the authorities had had enough. Hutchinson was brought to trial before the General Court. Despite a spirited defense where she matched wits with Governor John Winthrop, she was convicted of heresy and sedition. She was banished from the colony, but she wasn't alone. A group of her followers, known as the "Remonstrants," decided that they, too, could no longer live under the "tyranny" of Massachusetts Bay.

The Compact of 1638: A New Foundation

In March 1638, a group of twenty-three men gathered in Boston to sign a document that would define their new venture. This document, known as the Portsmouth Compact, is one of the most significant political papers in early American history.

"We whose names are underwritten do here solemnly in the presence of Jehovah incorporate ourselves into a Bodie Politick and as he shall help us, will submit our persons, lives and estates unto our Lord Jesus Christ, the King of Kings, and Lord of Lords, and to all those perfect and most absolute laws of his given us in his holy word of truth, to be guided and judged thereby."

Led by William Coddington, a wealthy merchant, and supported by John Clarke and Anne Hutchinson's husband, William, the group sought a place where they could practice their faith without the interference of the Boston magistrates. With the help of Roger Williams, who had already founded Providence, they negotiated the purchase of Aquidneck Island from the Narragansett sachems, Canonicus and Miantonomi, for a collection of coats, hoes, and wampum.

Settling Pocasset (Portsmouth)

The settlers arrived at the northern end of the island, at a place the indigenous people called Pocasset. The initial years were a struggle against the elements, but the land was fertile and the harbor was promising.

The settlement was soon renamed Portsmouth (likely after Portsmouth in Hampshire, England). Unlike the rigid hierarchy of Boston, Portsmouth was founded on a more democratic—albeit still deeply religious—footing. However, internal friction soon arose.

The Split: Portsmouth vs. Newport

Not everyone in the new colony saw eye-to-eye. William Coddington, who acted as the "Judge" (leader) of the colony, had visions of a more aristocratic leadership. The more radical faction, including the Hutchinsons and the firebrand Samuel Gorton, favored a more populist approach.

In 1639, Coddington and several other leaders left Portsmouth to found Newport at the southern end of the island. For a brief period, Portsmouth stood as its own independent entity before eventually reuniting with Newport under a single island government, and later joining Providence and Warwick to form the Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations.

Life in the Early Colony

Portsmouth was a community of farmers, shipbuilders, and tradesmen. Because they were surrounded by water, the sea became their lifeline. The settlers quickly established trade routes, taking advantage of the deep-water access.

Agriculture and Land Use

The soil on Aquidneck Island was significantly better than the rocky earth of mainland Massachusetts. The settlers introduced European livestock—sheep, cattle, and swine—which thrived on the island’s salt marshes. Portsmouth became a hub for agricultural exports, providing food not just for itself but for neighboring settlements.

The Role of Women

In Portsmouth, the social fabric was slightly more flexible than in neighboring colonies. Because of the influence of Anne Hutchinson, women in the colony often held a more vocal role in religious and communal life than was common in the 17th century. While it was still a patriarchal society, the "Hutchinsonians" had established a precedent for female intellectualism that lingered in the colony's DNA.

Conflict and the Charter

The mid-1600s were a precarious time for the Portsmouth settlers. The Massachusetts Bay Colony did not look kindly on the "heretics" living to their south. There were constant threats of annexation, and the neighboring colonies formed the United Colonies of New England (the New England Confederation) in 1643, deliberately excluding the Rhode Island settlements.

To protect their sovereignty, the leaders of the various Rhode Island towns realized they needed official recognition from England. Roger Williams traveled to London and secured a Parliamentary Patent in 1644. Later, after the restoration of the monarchy, John Clarke spent over a decade in England to secure the Royal Charter of 1663 from King Charles II.

This charter was revolutionary. It explicitly granted "full liberty in religious concernments," making the Rhode Island colony (including Portsmouth) the first place in the modern world where the government was legally barred from interfering in religious matters. Portsmouth was no longer just a refugee camp for outcasts; it was a legitimate, protected experiment in democracy.

The King Philip’s War Era

Portsmouth’s peaceful development was shattered in 1675 with the outbreak of King Philip’s War, a bloody conflict between English colonists and a confederation of indigenous tribes led by the Wampanoag sachem, Metacom (known to the English as King Philip).

While many mainland towns were burned to the ground, Portsmouth and Newport on Aquidneck Island served as a vital sanctuary. Because the Narragansett Bay provided a natural moat, the island remained relatively secure. Thousands of refugees from the mainland fled to Portsmouth, stretching the colony’s resources to the limit.

Portsmouth men served in the militias, and the island became a staging ground for the Great Swamp Fight. The war ultimately broke the power of the indigenous tribes in New England, but it left the region—including Portsmouth—scarred and economically drained.

The Revolutionary Spirit

As the 18th century dawned, Portsmouth evolved into a stable and prosperous town. However, the same spirit of dissent that led to its founding reappeared during the lead-up to the American Revolution.

Portsmouth was the site of significant military action during the war. From 1776 to 1779, the British occupied Aquidneck Island, turning Portsmouth into a fortified camp. The local population suffered under British rule, with homes seized and livestock confiscated to feed the occupying army.

The Battle of Rhode Island (1778)

In August 1778, Portsmouth became the stage for the Battle of Rhode Island. This battle is historically significant for several reasons:

• It was the first attempt at a coordinated Franco-American operation after the signing of the alliance with France.
• It featured the 1st Rhode Island Regiment, which was composed primarily of Black and Indigenous soldiers—the first of its kind in the Continental Army.

The battle took place largely in the northern part of Portsmouth (Butts Hill Fort). Although the American forces were forced to withdraw, the bravery shown by the "Black Regiment" in repelling Hessian mercenaries is a proud chapter in Portsmouth’s history.

Portsmouth’s Enduring Legacy

Today, Portsmouth, Rhode Island, is a picturesque town that balances its rich history with modern coastal living. However, its importance extends far beyond its borders.

1. The Birthplace of Religious Freedom

While Roger Williams is often given the sole credit for religious liberty, the settlers of Portsmouth provided the practical application of these ideas. They proved that a community of diverse beliefs could not only survive but thrive without a state-mandated church.

2. A Landmark for Women’s History

Anne Hutchinson’s role as the spiritual and intellectual founder of the colony cannot be overstated. In an era when women were expected to be silent, she led a political and religious exodus. Portsmouth remains a symbol of the fight for the right to think and speak freely.

3. The Roots of American Democracy

The Portsmouth Compact was one of the earliest examples of "consent of the governed." By "incorporating ourselves into a Bodie Politick," the settlers were moving away from the divine right of kings and toward the concept of a self-governing society.

The Spirit of Portsmouth

The Portsmouth Colony was born out of a refusal to be silenced. It was a haven for the "troublemakers," the "heretics," and the "dreamers" who believed that the human conscience should be free from the shackles of the state.

From the quiet courage of Anne Hutchinson to the battlefield bravery of the 1st Rhode Island Regiment, Portsmouth has always been a place where the status quo is questioned and liberty is defended. As we look back on nearly four centuries of history, the Portsmouth Colony stands as a beacon—a reminder that sometimes, the best way to build a future is to have the courage to leave the past behind and start something entirely new on a distant, wind-swept shore.

Whether you are a history buff, a student of political science, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of New England, Portsmouth offers a story of resilience that continues to resonate today. It is more than just a town; it is the physical manifestation of the American struggle for freedom.