It may have been about revolution, but the burning of the Gaspee began as a fight over rum

The HMS Gaspee, a British customs schooner, became embroiled in conflict with merchant Nathanael Greene in 1772 over the seizure of his sloop, the Fortune, which contained 1,400 gallons of rum and other goods. Greene's cousin, Rufus Greene, was aboard when officer James Dundas ordered him into the cabin at swordpoint, leading to a physical altercation. This incident prompted Greene to file a lawsuit for damages, claiming that his cargo was legally imported. In June, Greene and a group of colonists retaliated by attacking the Gaspee, which had run aground, ultimately burning it. This act of defiance against British authority highlighted the growing tensions in the colonies.

The Gaspee incident became a significant symbol of rebellion, influencing public sentiment leading up to the American Revolution. An annual festival now commemorates this pivotal event in Rhode Island's history. The search for the Gaspee's shipwreck continues, with archaeologists hoping to uncover more about its legacy.