The BoRIA Post
The official newsletter of the Battle of Rhode Island Association featuring news, events and Rhode Island history. Learn more at www.battleofrhodeisland.org.
Jim Stearns, Editor
July 1st, 2026
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The Battle of Rhode Island Association (BoRIA) has completed an important new research project that has uncovered some of the most significant primary-source evidence yet identified concerning Butts Hill Fort, the largest surviving Revolutionary War earthwork in New England.
To better understand the fort’s condition and strategic role during the American Revolution, BoRIA commissioned noted historian Dr. Robert A. Selig to conduct research in French military and national archives. His investigation focused on documents created by officers serving with the French expeditionary force under the Comte de Rochambeau during its deployment on Aquidneck Island in 1780 and 1781.
The research yielded a wealth of previously overlooked material, including maps, engineering reports, military correspondence, and firsthand descriptions of the fort. Among the most important discoveries are detailed assessments prepared by French Chief Engineer Jean Nicolas Desandrouins and a remarkable letter written by engineer François-Ignace Ervoil d’Oyré. Together, these documents provide the most detailed contemporary descriptions of Butts Hill Fort currently known.
The newly uncovered records confirm the fort’s critical role in defending Aquidneck Island and controlling communications between Newport and the mainland. They also demonstrate that French military engineers devoted considerable effort to improving and maintaining the fort during the year preceding the Yorktown Campaign. Their work helped ensure that Newport remained a secure base for the allied French and American forces as plans were developed for the campaign that would ultimately lead to British General Cornwallis’s surrender at Yorktown in 1781.
Beyond their historical significance, these discoveries provide valuable new information for ongoing efforts to document, interpret, preserve, and eventually enhance public understanding of Butts Hill Fort. As Rhode Island prepares to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Rhode Island in 2028, the findings offer a clearer picture of the fort’s importance within the larger story of the American Revolution and the vital contributions of America’s French allies.
Dr. Robert A. Selig is one of America’s foremost authorities on the French role in the Revolutionary War. For more than four decades, he has researched the Franco-American alliance and the French expeditionary force led by Rochambeau. Through extensive work in archives across France, Germany, and the United States, Dr. Selig has uncovered and translated numerous primary-source documents that have expanded our understanding of the Revolution. His scholarship is widely respected by historians, museums, and preservation organizations and has helped illuminate the critical role played by French forces in securing American independence.
Click here for Dr. Selig’s earlier research on these engineers.
The Col. Burton C. Quist Lecture Series
Christian McBurney: Causes of the American Revolution
On Thursday July 16th at 6:30 PM, the BoRIA alongside our partner the Portsmouth Historical Society (PHS) present the annual Col. Burton C. Quist Lecture Series at the PHS Museum, 870 East Main Rd. in Portsmouth. This year, historian and author, Christian McBurney will present “Causes of the American Revolution: Why did the thirteen colonies declare their independence 250 years ago?” Yes, “no taxation without representation” was a real thing, but there was much more too. This talk is intended to address the underlying causes of the American Revolution by looking at political, economic, social, demographic, geographical, immigration, racial, and ideological factors.
Christian McBurney is the author of eleven books, six on the American Revolutionary War and nine on Rhode Island (four are on both). His next book will be on Rhode Island’s “Black Regiment.” He is also the editor and publisher of a leading Rhode Island history blog at smallstatebighistory.
This talk is our fourth annual under the banner of “The Col. Burton C. Quist Lecture Series”, in memory of our late founding Director, friend, and mentor who passed away in January, 2023. This event is free and open to the public and will be filmed for our website and YouTube channel.
Premiere of Documentary Film:
“1778: Battle of Rhode Island”
This 18-minute film will be shown before Christian McBurney’s talk at the Portsmouth Historical Society. The film was funded by the BoRIA, RI250 Commission, and the Pappito Opportunity Fund. It was produced by Fresh LLC and ParMedia.
The film traces Rhode Island’s path from a colony anchored by the bustling seaport of Newport and the communities around Narragansett Bay to a society transformed by the American Revolution. Beginning before the British occupation, it highlights a thriving Newport and Narragansett Bay, where intense Atlantic trade collides with rising tensions with the Crown. As British troops seize Newport and Aquidneck Island, the story moves into years of occupation and upheaval—fortified streets, divided neighbors, and the 1778 Battle of Rhode Island that brings the war directly to Aquidneck Island. Featured are the contributions of the First Rhode Island (Black) Regiment, a unique Continental regiment of formerly enslaved men who gained their freedom by enlisting, and bravely fighting, for the duration of the war. This battle marked the first engagement of the American and French alliance, which was key to the Revolution’s victory.
The film relies heavily on McBurney’s book, The Rhode Island Campaign: The First French and American Operation in the Revolutionary War. Narration is by Michelle Girasole, Christian McBurney, Rebecca Sattel, and Jim Stearns.
Bristol's Fourth of July Celebration:
A Tradition Since 1785
As Americans gather to celebrate Independence Day this year, no community can claim a longer continuous tradition than Bristol, Rhode Island. The Bristol Fourth of July Celebration traces its roots to 1785, just two years after the end of the Revolutionary War, when local residents organized patriotic exercises to commemorate the nation’s hard-won independence and honor those who had secured it.
Over the past 241 years, those early observances have evolved into what is now recognized as America’s oldest continuous Independence Day celebration. What began as a modest civic gathering has grown into a multi-week series of events culminating in the renowned Military, Civic and Firemen’s Parade on July 4. Thousands of visitors line Bristol’s historic streets each year to witness marching bands, military units, veterans, civic organizations, and community groups participating in one of the nation’s most cherished patriotic traditions.
The 2026 celebration carries special significance as the nation continues its commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Bristol’s annual observance serves as a living link between the Revolutionary generation and today‘s Americans, reminding us that the freedoms secured during the American Revolution remain worthy of celebration and remembrance.
For Rhode Islanders, the celebration also highlights our state’s important role in the nation’s founding. From the Gaspee Affair of 1772 to the Battle of Rhode Island in 1778 and the establishment of Bristol’s patriotic observances in 1785, Rhode Island’s history is deeply intertwined with the story of American independence.
As residents and visitors gather once again in “America’s Most Patriotic Town,” they will participate in a tradition that has endured for nearly a quarter of a millennium—a remarkable testament to the enduring spirit of patriotism and community that has defined Bristol for generations.
Joe Studlick
BoRIA Recoginized by State of Rhode Island
Recently the BoRIA was recognized by Lieutenant Governor Sabina Matos.
Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony to be Held at Butts Hill Fort
On Sunday, July 19th, the Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame will induct 4 figures associated with Rhode Island’s Revolutionary War history. The 19th is a also a special date as that is when Rhode Island ratified the Declaration of Independence in 1776. The ceremony will start at 2:00 PM at Butts Hill Fort in Portsmouth. This event is free and open to the public.
The 4 inductees are:
- Major General John Sullivan – Overall commander during the Rhode Island Campaign of 1778. Sullivan made his HQ at Butts Hill Fort.
- Lt. Colonel Samuel Ward – Commander of the Black Regiment.
- Rev. Henry Wright – Revolutionary War veteran, Congregational Church leader, prominent Bristol civic leader who started the Bristol 4th of July celebration which began in 1785.
- Rev. Dr. Roderick Terry – Noted Philanthropist, past President of the Newport Historical Society and savior of Butts Hill Fort .
The Artillery Company of Newport will also be on hand with their Paul Revere made cannons.
"Newport in the Age of Revolution": A Worthwhile Visit to the Redwood Library & Athenaeum
Those looking for a Revolutionary War outing this year should consider a visit to the Redwood Library & Athenaeum’s new exhibition, ‘Newport in the Age of Revolution.”
The exhibit explores how Newport and Aquidneck Island experienced the tumultuous years of the American Revolution through an impressive collection of original maps, manuscripts, military artifacts, artwork, and rare printed materials. Visitors will encounter familiar Revolutionary War themes while also discovering lesser-known stories that reveal how the war affected soldiers, civilians, and the broader community.
Among the highlights are several exceptionally rare items seldom displayed publicly, including Revolutionary-era correspondence, firsthand accounts, and remarkable cartographic works that help bring the era to life. Particularly impressive are materials relating to Newport’s years under British occupation, offering visitors an opportunity to view artifacts normally accessible only to researchers.
For anyone interested in Rhode Island’s Revolutionary heritage, the exhibition is well worth the trip. The Redwood Library has assembled a thoughtful and visually engaging presentation that complements and expands upon many of the familiar stories.
Newport in the Age of Revolution is on view through January 2027.
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Joe Studlick
The Hill's Story
By Gloria Schmidt
A box of books just arrived from the printer. Funded by a Legislative Grant from State Senator Linda Ujifusa, these books tell the story of Butts Hill through the years. “The Hill’s Story” was written especially for fourth grade students by Gloria Schmidt, Battle of Rhode Island Association historian and outreach coordinator. It includes the land history of the area from before the Revolutionary War, through British Occupation, its role during the Battle of Rhode Island, the French role in fort construction and how the fort was saved in the 1920s. It was created out of a need for age appropriate materials for fourth grade teachers who have Revolutionary Rhode Island as part of their Social Studies Curriculum.
The legislative grant will enable us to deliver a copy of the book for the new school year to each 4th grade teacher in Bristol and Newport Counties. A copy of the book is available online as well on our teacher resource website teachingrevolutionaryrhody.
The RI250 Quest Celebrates Our 250th Around the State
An enthusiastic group of teams – from friend groups, to couples, to intergenerational families – have been seen traveling the state to discover the stories of Rhode Island’s role in the American Revolution. Through a variety of historian-written and recorded videos, these self-guided walking and driving tours have enlivened the exploration from town to town, with teams competing for points and prizes along the way.
On June 9th, a picnic was held for “Questers” during the Gaspee Days celebration in Warwick, with live music and a re-enactment of the Burning of the Gaspee. In Portsmouth, folks attended the “Women of ’76” performance at the Portsmouth Historic Society before traveling to Butts Hill Fort, Patriots Park and other sites. Many team members remarked that they had always heard of these events and unique places, but never journeyed out to participate until this year. The Quest concludes this month with driving tours in Providence and Newport, but individual experiences are still available on MyFreshAdventures.
Tour Butts Hill Fort with a Rhode Island State Park Ranger
Join a Rhode Island State Park Ranger on Saturday, July 18th, for a pop-up walk at Butts Hill Fort in Portsmouth. The walk starts at 10 AM and is free and open to all. It will take place rain or shine. Please wear comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes, and bring water and sunscreen.
Butts Hill Fort—an important site during the Battle of Rhode Island and headquarters for General John Sullivan and patriot forces during the Aug. 29th 1778 campaign.
Fore more information click here.
July 4th: 10:00 AM – RI Sons of the Revolution 4th of July Events, Washington Square, Newport
July 4th: 10:30 AM – 4th of July Parade, Bristol
July 4th: 1:00 PM – Independence Cup: Newport International Polo Series
July 11th: 2:00 PM – Liberty’s Martyr: The Story of Dr. Joseph Warren, Janet Uhlar, General Nathanael Greene Homestead, Coventry
July 16th: 6:00 PM – Col. Burton C. Quist Memorial Lecture: Christian McBurney, Portsmouth Historical Society
July 18th: 10:00 AM – Tour Butts Hill Fort with a Park Ranger. Portsmouth
July 19th: 2:00 PM – RI Heritage Hall of Fame Inductions, Butts Hill Fort, Portsmouth
July 24th: 5:00 PM – Revolutionary Little Compton Tavern Night, Historical Society Grounds, 548 West Main Rd.
By Eric Sterner
On April 7, 1776, American ships began dropping anchors off New London, Connecticut. Esek Hopkins, commander of the new Continental navy, was returning from a successful raid on the town of New Providence on Nassau island in the Bahamas. While there, the Americans had seized eighty-eight desperately needed cannon and fifteen mortars, thousands of roundshot, other artillery implements and some gunpowder, though much of the last item had been spirited away by the island’s inhabitants. It should have been the highlight of Hopkins’ Revolutionary War career. Instead, the raid proved controversial and marked the beginning of his downfall. At issue was the nature of the orders Congress had given Hopkins before the raid, his execution of them, and his interpretation of his own authority.
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Did You Know?
Rhode Island Was the First Colony to Establish Its Own Navy
- In 1774, the British frigate Rose, under the command of James Wallace, was sent to Narragansett Bay to end smuggling.
- Rhode Island merchants, including Providence’s John Brown, wanted to protect their trade. They encouraged the Rhode Island Assembly to direct the Committee of Safety to charter two vessels for protection.
- On June 12, 1775, the Rhode Island Assembly voted to establish the colony’s first navy—the first naval force established in America by any public authority.
- Merchant John Brown’s sloop Katy was chartered as one of the two ships in the new navy. Abraham Whipple was Brown’s most trusted captain and he became “commodore” of the new naval force. Whipple is believed to have been involved in the Gaspee Affair and was one of the most experienced mariners in the colony.
- The other vessel in the Rhode Island Navy was the Washington.
- Whipple immediately moved to clear the Rose’s tenders from their positions. On June 15, 1775, shots were exchanged between the Katy and the British vessel Diana.
- In this first naval engagement, Whipple and the Katy successfully drove the Diana ashore at Jamestown.
- When Captain Wallace went to investigate what had happened to the Diana, Newport residents were able to recapture five of the six vessels he had previously seized.
- The Katy continued to patrol Narragansett Bay but was not powerful enough to challenge the Rose directly. The Rhode Island Assembly instructed its delegate to Congress, Stephen Hopkins, to introduce a proposal for the creation of a national navy.
- Congress authorized a national navy on October 13, 1775. The Katy became one of the first vessels of the Continental Navy and was renamed the Providence.
- During the Revolutionary War, the Providence captured approximately 40 prizes. To avoid capture by the British, she was intentionally burned in Maine in 1779.
Gloria Schmidt
