Butts Hill Fort
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Butts Hill Fort evolved along the way. The British called this area Windmill Hill because it was a traditional site for a windmill. The Americans called this area “Butts Hill” after the John Butts family that held the land when the war began. The outlines you see at the fort date from the improvements made by the French and Americans in 1780 to 1781. It is at this point that the fortifications at Butts Hill became Butts Hill Fort. The Battle of Rhode Island Association is working to restore the fort.
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BoRIA Education Outreach
BoRIA’s education outreach team has been busy this year creating new ways to support teachers as they bring Rhode Island’s Revolutionary War story into their classrooms.
Unlocking the Hidden History of Butts Hill Fort
BoRIA is pleased to report that two consecutive summer field seasons (2024/2025) at Butts Hill Fort are revealing remarkable new insights into one of Rhode Island’s most significant Revolutionary War sites.
French Engineers at Butts Hill Fort
Dr. Robert A. Selig’s new report highlights French archival sources that deepen our understanding of Butts Hill Fort.
2024 in Review: Butts Hill Fort Restoration Committee Completes “Extreme Makeover”
For 2024, The BHFRC set the goal of clearing, improving and stabilizing the entire multi-acre southern hemisphere of Butts Hill Fort.
Digging in: Information from Robert Selig’s work on the French at Butts Hill
BoRIA sponsored valuable research on the construction of Butts Hill Fort by Robert Selig and John K. Robertson.
Preparing for a Visit of Rochambeau to Butt’s Hill
In a letter dated August 2, 1780, from Newport, Lafayette wrote to American General William Heath about how to prepare for Rochambeau’s visit.
Articles
Sunset Salute Commemorates 248th Anniversary of the Battle of Rhode Island
The BHFRC hosted their third annual Sunset Salute to commemorate the 248th anniversary of the Battle of Rhode Island.
Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame Induction held at Butts Hill Fort
On Sunday, July 19th, the Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame inducted four people associated with Rhode Island’s Revolutionary War history.
Unlocking the Hidden History of Butts Hill Fort
BoRIA is pleased to report that two consecutive summer field seasons (2024/2025) at Butts Hill Fort are revealing remarkable new insights into one of Rhode Island’s most significant Revolutionary War sites.
Portsmouth sewing shop owner teaching RI history one stitch at a time
Conceived by artist Stefan Romero, the tapestry’s panels are each hand-embroidered by volunteers and artisans alike, with an emphasis on lesser-known events of the American Revolution, highlighting women and minority involvement.
‘Small State, Big History’ Tells Intriguing Stories
McBurney and an assortment of writers and historians are adding important details to our knowledge of Rhode Island history while telling charming stories about little known people and resurrecting interest in significant historical footnotes.
Rhode Island State Government’s Historical Lethargy
Historian Laureate Emeritus Patrick T. Conley urges state leaders to champion Butts Hill Fort and the Battle of Rhode Island as we approach America’s 250th
Longtime Friends
Marking 325 years, Quaker meeting house in Portsmouth is RI’s oldest active church
Butts Hill Fort Leads Off Portsmouth 250th Celebrations
Butts Hill Fort came to life on the first weekend in May 2025 as we collaborated with the Brigade of the American Revolution (BAR) to bring together reenactment regiments from six states to form an authentic living history encampment.
Historic Lafayette House in Tiverton Demolished
In a shocking turn of events, the historic Abraham Brown House, also known as the Lafayette House, was demolished on December 18, 2024, in Tiverton, RI.
