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Contact: Johnny Carawan, 610- 715-1101
Newport, RI, November 19, 2025 – The National Park Service’s Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route National Historic Trail (WARO) proudly announces the launch of the All-American Road Trip, a signature America 250 initiative inviting the public to retrace the epic Allied march of American and French forces to Yorktown, America’s first and most consequential road trip.This announcement coincides with renewed national attention on the Revolutionary era following the premiere this week of Ken Burns’ landmark PBS series The American Revolution. The six-part documentary has sparked fresh interest in the people, places, and events that shaped the nation, making this the ideal moment to experience the Washington-Rochambeau Trail firsthand.
Spanning more than 680 miles through nine states and the District of Columbia, the Washington-Rochambeau Trail commemorates the land and water routes used during the 1781 campaign that secured American independence. Today, the All-American Road Trip transforms that historic movement into a modern, immersive experience that connects communities, inspires exploration, and elevates the story of the Franco-American alliance.
“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 NHT. “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.”
Connecting the Trail to the American Story
This initiative supports a major National Park Service effort to highlight all parks and programs connected to the American Revolution. Visitors can explore the full network of national parks, battlefields, historic homes, scenic trails, and educational resources at: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/americanrevolution/index.htm
The Washington-Rochambeau Trail serves as a unifying thread that links these sites, communities, and stories.
Bringing America’s First Road Trip to Life
The All-American Road Trip will feature:
• Living history and community events celebrating the 250th anniversary
• Educational programming that highlights France’s decisive role in the Revolution
• Youth engagement opportunities, including Junior Ranger activities and hands-on learning
• Digital storytelling using #RoadTrip250
• Partnership events with museums, state and local partners, and the Embassy of France
The campaign emphasizes that the march to Yorktown was not just a military route, but a vibrant network of real communities whose stories continue to shape America’s identity.
A Year of Revolutionary Storytelling in Newport
As part of this national initiative, the Newport Historical Society will present Occupied! Newport and the Fight for Independence, a major exhibition running from February through December 2026 that guides visitors through Newport’s dramatic transformations under Revolutionary, British, and French rule between 1775 and 1783. Anchored by rare artifacts and the retelling of firsthand accounts, the exhibit highlights the Revolution’s impact on everyday people and the enduring legacy of Franco-American cooperation.
A signature highlight of the All-American Road Trip will be French in Newport on July 11, 2026. This major America 250 commemoration will bring living history, naval heritage, cultural programming, and international partnership together to honor the 6,000 French troops who marched alongside American forces on the road to Yorktown. It also features activities for all ages, including a silhouette artist, fife and drums corps, cider press and samples, crafts, and the opportunity for visitors to try colonial costumes.
Start Your Road Trip
Travelers can begin exploring the trail, planning itineraries, and discovering upcoming events at:www.nps.gov/waro. Additional resources for your visit to Newport can be found at newporthistory.org, and for broader statewide commemoration visit https://rhodeisland250.org/
Start in Newport, Rhode Island, where the French army began its march; continue through the historic landscapes of Connecticut and New Jersey; or follow the route all the way to Yorktown. No matter where travelers choose to begin, the All-American Road Trip provides meaningful opportunities to engage with America’s founding story.
Last updated: November 21, 2025