Aaron Lopez was a Portuguese-born merchant, slave trader, and philanthropist. Born in Lisbon into a converso family, he moved to British America, settling in the colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations. Through his varied commercial ventures, Lopez became the wealthiest person in Newport, Rhode Island. In 1761 and 1762, Lopez unsuccessfully sued the colonial government of Rhode Island in an attempt to become a British subject.
Key Facts
| Subject | Aaron Lopez |
| Category | Portuguese-born merchant, slave trader, and philanthropist |
| Reading time | 1 min · Intermediate |
| Key date | 1761 |
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