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Today in History: Royal Navy Destroys Portland in Revolutionary Retaliation

10/18/2025

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Summary

Story summary

On October 18, 1775, during the American Revolutionary War, the Royal Navy attacked and destroyed the town of Falmouth, now Portland, Maine. Commanded by Captain Henry Mowat, the fleet bombarded the town with incendiary shots, marking a significant retaliation against ports supporting Patriot activities. This event underscored the escalating conflict between American colonists and British forces.

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Story summary

On October 18, 1775, during the American Revolutionary War, the Royal Navy attacked and destroyed the town of Falmouth, now Portland, Maine. Commanded by Captain Henry Mowat, the fleet bombarded the town with incendiary shots, marking a significant retaliation against ports supporting Patriot activities. This event underscored the escalating conflict between American colonists and British forces.