What is the setting of Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson?

This novel opens in Rhode Island in 1776 but quickly moves to New York City at the onset of the Revolutionary War. At the time of this novel's setting, New York is an American colony struggling for its independence from British rule. The city is divided between Loyalists who believe America should still be controlled by the British king, and the Patriots who believe America should govern itself, independent of British control. Halfway through the novel, the British soldiers arrive in New York and a flurry of gunfire and cannon shots decimate the infrastructure, collapsing buildings and blowing out windows. Escaping the battle and the impending punishment for supporting the rebel army, most New Yorkers flee the city. Those who remain, mainly Loyalists and slaves, do not have the time or resources to repair the city and it suffers further damage when a horrific fire ravages the city, destroying a quarter of the homes As a result, many homeowners are forced to hang canvas tents over the battered brick walls to block out the weather. During this time, New York City was known as "Canvastown". On the outskirts of the city, the Patriot Army set up their camp along the water of the island creating a divided setting of military and pedestrian presence alongside the divide of slaves and their masters.