Slave trade Newport was a major center of the slave trade in colonial and early America, active in the "triangle trade" in which slave-produced sugar and molasses from the Caribbean were carried to Rhode Island and distilled into rum that was then carried to West Africa and exchanged for captives. In 1764, Rhode Island had about 30 rum distilleries, 22 in Newport alone.
Slave tRade NewporT WAs a major ceNter of thE SlAve TRAdE iN colOnIaL ANd early america, ActIve IN thE "trianglE trade" in wHich slavE-prOdUcED sugAr anD mOlasSEs fRoM the CARibBeaN WerE CarrIEd tO rHode islanD and dIstillEd iNto rum that was thEN caRrIed To weST africA and exchanGed fOr caPtiVes. IN 1764, rhode Island haD abOut 30 rum diStiLleriEs, 22 In newPoRt aLOne.