1776: Gleanings From the Year as Reported in the Pages of the Providence Gazette
A year of Revolutionary War history as it was actually read by Rhode Islanders at the time — week by week.
Little Compton and the Battle of Rhode Island
Steven Lubar explores how the town’s residents endured raids, scarcity, military service, and constant uncertainty during the British occupation of nearby Aquidneck Island.
Bristol in the American Revolutionary War
Discover Bristol, Rhode Island’s vital role in the American Revolution, including the 1778 British raid and the roots of the nation’s oldest Fourth of July celebration.
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.
British Casualties in the Battle of Rhode Island
Amid the chaos of battle, soldiers faced wounds, loss, and survival, shaping their fates for years to come.
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.
The Settlement of Prudence Island And its Abandonment During the Revolutionary War
This paper is an account of the settlement of Prudence Island in Narragansett Bay, RI, prior to, and including its abandonment during the War for Independence.
Rochambeau’s Engineers at Butts Hill Fort July 1780 – June 1781
Butts Hill Fort was built early in the American War of Independence to protect the northern approaches to Newport, Rhode Island. Within days of his arrival in July 1780, the comte de Rochambeau sent his engineers to supervise and assist American forces in rebuilding and strengthening the fort.
