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.
October 2025 Edition
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Butts Hill Fort Volunteer Fall Cleanup
Col. Burton C. Quist USMC Commemorative Clearing
Portsmouth, RI. The Butts Hill Fort Restoration Committee (BHFRC) is inviting volunteers to our Fall Cleanup on Sunday, November 2nd (There is no rain date). Cleanup starts at 10 AM till 1 pm. Come anytime. The meeting point is the Fort gate on Butts St. off Sprague Street. Google “26 Butts Street” for directions to the Main Gate. No parking is allowed on Butts Street. Participants are asked to park along Dyer Street or at Portsmouth High School.
This event has been designated as “USMC Col. Burton C. Quist Commemorative Clearing” in memory of BoRIA “Founding Father” who passed away in 2023. We welcome all US Marines to join the volunteer brush fight as a way to celebrate the Corps’ 250th birthday on November 10th.
Every participant will need to sign a town liability form upon arrival. BHFRC officials will be on hand throughout the day, so if you join in progress, please sign in with a team member. Bring work gloves and dress warmly. We will be clearing up the Southern ramparts and green areas of the fort’s earthworks and trenches ahead of the oncoming winter season. Participants are also encouraged to bring protective eye gear, loppers, shears, weed whackers, and rakes.
The largest Revolutionary War earthwork still standing in southern New England, Butts Hill Fort, is in Portsmouth, Rhode Island. It served as the headquarters for General John Sullivan during the Rhode Island Campaign in 1778 and was occupied and enlarged by allied French troops under Comte de Rochambeau during 1780-1781. It is on the National Register of Historic Places and on the National Park Service’s Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route National Historic Trail. The goal of the Restoration Committee is to return it to public use as an historical, educational, and recreational asset.
The Battle of Rhode Island Association is a 501(c)(3) non-profit committed to raising awareness of Rhode Island’s role in the War for Independence. Donations may be made payable to “BoRIA” at PO Box 626, Portsmouth, RI 02871 or by visiting: https:/
The University of Kentucky Issues a Press Release on British Barracks from Revolutionary War Found at Butts Hill Fort
Military Barracks Built During the American Revolution Discovered at Rhode Island Site
A team of archaeologists and historians have discovered remnants of military barracks built by the British in 1777 at the site of Butts Hill Fort in Portsmouth, Rhode Island. The site, which is characterized by earthwork fortifications that enclosed the barracks and artillery buildings, has been described by historians from written records and maps, but few archaeologists have conducted work at the site to uncover what lies below the ground today. Using ground-penetrating radar (GPR) technology, the team has discovered foundational structures below the ground surface. Their findings were published in the journal Heritage.
“Our first step was to find the location of where the barracks once stood, using satellite and aerial imagery from the site superimposed on historical maps,” says archaeologist Dr. Hugo Reyes-Centeno, Principal Investigator of the project and senior author of the publication. The archaeologist team, which included students and staff from the University of Kentucky and Stonehill College, then collected data with a GPR device to detect signals of the barracks underground using methods being tested at the University of Kentucky’s heritage science EduceLab. “We found clear signals around the perimeter of where the barracks building once stood and possibly signals of the building’s chimneys,” adds Reyes-Centeno.
The archaeologist team worked with members of the Battle of Rhode Island Association (BoRIA) in Portsmouth, including study co-author Paul R. Murphy, a U.S. Air Force veteran and Chair of the Butts Hill Fort Restoration Committee, as well as renowned military historian and study co-author Dr. John K. Robertson, Emeritus Professor of Geography and Computer Science at the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, NY.
“Our biggest challenge was to look underground without actually excavating,” says Alexandra Uhl, co-Principal Investigator and senior co-author at Stonehill College. “Since the site is designated as a National Historic Landmark by the National Park Service for its pivotal role during the American Revolution, we wanted to conduct a non-invasive study before we could consider the possibility of digging underground,” adds Reyes-Centeno. The work, completed during a historical archeology field school for undergraduate students, was “…a great opportunity for students to apply advanced archaeological skills while helping the community—and country—learn more about this important heritage site,” says Uhl.
The team will now work with the Portsmouth community to assess next steps, particularly as it
celebrates the nation’s 250th anniversary of the 1776 Declaration of Independence. James Keppeler, lead author of the study and doctoral candidate in Anthropology at the University of Kentucky, notes that “It is exciting and meaningful to be a part of the mission to revitalize the fort site. I look forward to seeing how it is commemorated for the upcoming celebration of the nation’s semiquincentennial.”
Sponsored by the BoRIA and funded by a grant from the van Beuren Charitable Foundation, this report summarizes the field work conducted in the summer of 2024.
Click here to access the report.
BoRIA Sponsors Portsmouth High School's AP History Tour of Battle of Rhode Island Sites
The sun came out just in time for the Portsmouth High School’s AP American History class field trip to the Battle of Rhode Island sites on October 22, 2025. The field trip was hosted by Richard and Gloria Schmidt, BoRIA Treasurer and Historical Advisor, respectively. Forty-six students and their teachers toured sites where skirmishes of the Battle of Rhode Island took place.
Among the stops were the Friends Meeting House (circa 1700) which was used as a field hospital, barracks and ammunition storage during the British occupation of Aquidneck Island. Pastor David Chatowsky invited us in to one of the oldest buildings in Portsmouth. Director Paul Murphy used maps to explain the action around the Meeting House on August 29, 1778. The Germans, British and Americans all converged on that site for a major confrontation. The students were able to handle the cannon balls found within the church when there was excavation for the basement hall. They were surprised at how heavy the ball was.
Another stop was the Portsmouth Historical Society. One of the early surprise attacks by the American army was at that corner of East Main Road and Union Street. Historical Society Vice President Rebecca Sattel welcomed us to explore the Southermost School which in its Union Street location would have overlooked the skirmish. The students went to the the Audience Room of the former church building for a talk on the skirmishes and looked at a display of Revolutionary War items in the museum area.
Seth Chiarro greeted the students at Patriots Park. A re-enactor for the British 54th Regiment of Foot, Seth put the students through their paces as he taught them some of the drills the soldiers had used. Seth is also a Director for Military Affairs for the BoRIA. Patriot’s Park included a discussion on the Black Regiment and heir heroic defense of the artillery redoubt that would have been located close by.
Back at the High School, the students took a tour of the Butts Hill Fort. Paul Murphy has been a leader in the restoration effort and he led one of the tours.
While the students were visiting the sites, they were also participating in an online scavenger hunt of objects and information about the locations visited. The hunt was organized by library media specialist Jen Thomas. AP history teacher Cindy Perry organized the field trip along with the French teacher Lynn Hoegen. This is the third year the BoRIA has led students from Portsmouth High School on tours of the battlefields and/or the fort.
BoRIA Receives Grant for Butts Hill Fort Restoration
We are pleased to announce that a $5,000 grant has been awarded from the Heritage Harbor Foundation (HHF), a long-time supporter of BoRIA’s mission. These monies will support ongoing vegetation removal at Butts Hill Fort, Portsmouth.
The HHF grew out of a movement that began in the 1980s to establish Rhode Island’s state history museum—something the state still lacks. Economic downturns and the collapse of supportive tax credit programs ultimately ended the museum’s development.
From the project’s remains, historian Patrick T. Conley created the HHF using a $3.6 million endowment invested with the Rhode Island Foundation. Since 2017, the Foundation has provided grants to strengthen awareness and understanding of Rhode Island’s history, awarding funds to more than 100 nonprofit organizations.
Today, the HHF continues to fulfill its original mission by promoting Rhode Island’s cultural heritage through grant-making rather than operating a physical museum.
Ken Burns’ “The American Revolution” Airs in November
“The American Revolution” is Ken Burns’s sweeping new documentary, an intimate yet panoramic retelling of how thirteen colonies rose against the world’s strongest empire and reshaped global ideas of liberty and government—bringing the human drama of America’s birth vividly to life.
The American Revolution is a six-part, 12-hour exploration of the nation’s founding struggle, premiering Sunday, November 16, 2025, on PBS and airing nightly through Friday, November 21, from 8–10 p.m. ET. Co-directed with Sarah Botstein and David Schmidt and written by Geoffrey C. Ward, the film examines the Revolution as a war for independence, a civil war, and a world war—told through the experiences of rank-and-file soldiers, enslaved and free African Americans, women, Loyalists, Native peoples, and international allies.
In Rhode Island, the series will air on Ocean State Media PBS (WSBE) during national premiere week, with all six episodes also available to stream free on PBS.
Rhode Island State Government’s Historical Lethargy
I greatly admire the zeal and energy of the volunteer Battle of Rhode Island Association in attempting to build and maintain the American command post on Butts Hill in Portsmouth. It can become the state’s major historical site.
Unfortunately, Butts Hill is in the wrong state. For over 50 years I have worked in vain to get our state government more involved in observing and promoting Rhode Island’s great history.
Despite my efforts and those of others, we remain one of three states without a state historical museum, and, as the so-called Ocean State, we have given away all of the historic vessels or their replicas that were once berthed here: the USS Constitution (“Old Ironsides”), now in Charlestown, Massachusetts; the USS Constellation (Baltimore, Maryland); the Sloop Providence (Alexandria, Virginia); the HMS Rose (San Diego, California); the Newport-Jamestown Ferry (Portland, Maine); and the Brava packet Ernestina (New Bedford, Massachusetts). Rhode Island is the graveyard of historic ships.
Add to this neglect is the fact that the state lost most of its amazing historic aircraft when the Quonset Air Museum was forced to close because it failed to receive necessary state funding.
With the 250th anniversary of American independence to be celebrated in 2026, the state and its 250 Commission should make the development of the Battle of Rhode Island site in Portsmouth its major, long-term project. A beautiful, educational state historical park informing its visitors concerning what I have described in a recent booklet as Rhode Island’s Contributions to the Founding of the United States is a long overdue project. It would promote not only Rhode Island’s self-image but its tourism, as well.
The victory of the patriots on Aug. 29, 1778, in New England’s largest military battle, ensured an orderly and safe withdrawal of American forces from Aquidneck Island after an unsuccessful siege of the British in Newport. I have called it the American Dunkirk.
The role of the so-called Black Regiment, composed of former Black and Native American slaves, in helping to hold the line against German mercenaries in that battle is worthy of national celebration. Though few in number (between 100 and 125), the pioneering and symbolic significance of the combatants is far larger.
It is sometimes said Rhode Island gets no respect when major events such as the 1772 burning of the Gaspee are ignored or overlooked in the coming of the American Revolution in favor of much lesser actions such as the so-called Boston Massacre and the Boston Tea Party.
Unfortunately, our state leaders over the past several decades have not learned that respect must be earned. We simply rest on our laurels by repeatedly refusing to supply public funding to promote and perpetuate our historical achievements. Our private historical and preservation societies, a few energetic but single-themed volunteer organizations, and a very small group of Rhode Island historians shed the only light on our past.
Hopefully, a national observance such as the 250th celebration of American independence will be a sufficient catalyst to awaken our state government’s historical slumber and reverse Rhode Island’s long neglect of its illustrious history.
Patrick T. Conley, Rhode Island historian laureate emeritus, was chairman of the Rhode Island Bicentennial Commission (ri76).
Rhode Island State Government’s Historical Lethargy
A revolutionary spirit filled the South County Museum in Narraganset, Rhode Island, on Saturday, October 18th, as visitors gathered to celebrate the America’s Tapestry project and explore how the American Revolution shaped Rhode Island nearly 250 years ago.
Guests were invited to contribute stitches to the Rhode Island panel of America’s Tapestry — a hand-embroidered depiction featuring the 1st Rhode Island Regiment (aka the Back Regiment) at the Battle of Rhode Island, the burning of the Liberty Ship in Newport Harbor, and the vital support of French allies. Begun in May 2025, the panel will be completed by April 2026 and displayed during the Semiquincentennial at the Muscarelle Museum of Art in Williamsburg, Virginia .
The afternoon included engaging presentations by America’s Tapestry founder Stefan Romero, Rhode Island director Karen Katin, author Christian McBurney, and South County Museum executive director Rebecca Kelly. Speakers shared insights into the project’s mission to honor overlooked Revolutionary stories and foster community through art.
McBurney offered historical background on the Battle of Rhode Island and the diverse forces who fought there — including French and German troops — while Kelly reflected on how narrative embroidery continues a centuries-old tradition of storytelling through needlework. McBurney’s 2011 book “The Rhode Island Campaign: The First French and American Operation in the Revolutionary War” is a comprehensive telling of the battle.
To learn more about the Rhode Island panel of America’s Tapestry or to get involved, please click here.
The South County Museum thanks all who participated for helping to commemorate Rhode Island’s Revolutionary legacy — one meaningful stitch at a time. Special thanks to the BoRIA for providing speaker Christian McBurney.
On October 14th, author Michael Cecere spoke on his book Spark of Independence: The American Revolution in the Northern Colonies, 1775–1776, with our co-sponsor the Rhode Island Historical Society. During the lecture, Cecere discussed the reaction of the American colonies to the outbreak of war in Massachusetts in 1775, and he highlighted key events that occurred 250 years ago – with an emphasis on Rhode Island.
Spark of Independence is the third and final book in his Independence Trilogy. This series answers the question: what happened in the thirteen colonies after bloodshed erupted in April 1775 at Lexington and Concord until independence was declared in July 1776? Ceceres relies on primary source documents to explore both the well-known and lesser-known clashes during those 15 months, and how these events contributed to the growing support across the colonies for independence from Great Britain.
Butts Hill Fort Restoration Committee and Battle of Rhode Island Association on RI Public Acesss TV
Paul Murphy, Butts Hill Fort Restoration Chair & BoRIA Board member joins Portsmouth Historical Society hosts Steve Stone and Mark Kenney to discuss the American Revolutionary War origin story behind the fort’s development on “Rhode Island Time Capsule”, episode 105. Click picture for video.
Spark of Independence is the third and final book in his Independence Trilogy. This series answers the question: what happened in the thirteen colonies after bloodshed erupted in April 1775 at Lexington and Concord until independence was declared in July 1776? Ceceres relies on primary source documents to explore both the well-known and lesser-known clashes during those 15 months, and how these events contributed to the growing support across the colonies for independence from Great Britain.
Gloria Schmidt, BoRIA & BHFRC Education and Outreach leader joins Conley Zani, host of “Rhode Island Today”, episode 61, to discuss our organizational efforts to both restore the fort, while fostering and spreading education on the fort’s Rhode Island’s role in the Revolutionary War. Click picture for video.
by Damien Cregeau
As a collateral descendant of Daniel Hitchcock (first cousin, nine times removed), I have always been fascinated by the short but important life of this colonel from Providence, Rhode Island, who was taken by illness following the Battle of Princeton at the young age of thirty-seven. Likely because there is neither an existing house nor a portrait of him, Hitchcock is largely forgotten despite the fact that he had served as a colonel in the Continental Army in five battles in the Revolutionary War by January 1776.
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Did You Know?
Providence
Providence, Rhode Island’s population and demographic composition during the Revolutionary War era reflects the complex social, economic, and racial dynamics of colonial New England. Unlike many other colonial cities, Providence experienced remarkable demographic stability during the Revolutionary War. The 1782 census recorded a population of 4,310, representing only a minimal decrease of 11 people from the 1774 count. Following the Revolutionary War, unprecedented population growth happened. By 1790, the city’s population had increased to 6,380 people, representing a 48% increase from the wartime level. This growth reflected the return of military veterans, increased economic opportunities, and the city’s emergence as a major industrial center.
· First to Call for Continental Unity (1774)
A Providence Town Council meeting on May 17, 1774, became the first official government agency to advance proposals for a general congress of all the colonies to formulate united resistance to British policies. This occurred months before other colonies took similar action, demonstrating Providence’s early leadership.
· Committee of Safety Established (1775)
In response to the growing crisis with Britain, Providence established a Committee of Safety in 1774 to prepare for war. Nicholas Cooke was appointed to the Providence Committee of Inspection (for war preparedness) in 1773, which later evolved into this crucial governing body that managed military affairs and coordinated resistance efforts.
· Revolutionary Governor Change (1775)
When Governor Joseph Wanton refused to sign commissions for officers of Rhode Island’s “Army of Observation” in 1775, he was deposed by the General Assembly in November 1775. Nicholas Cooke of Providence then became governor and led the colony through the early war years, establishing his headquarters in Providence.
· The Providence Tea Party (1775)
On March 2, 1775, women of Providence staged their own tea party protest, burning approximately 300 pounds of British East India Company tea in Market Square. This act of defiance occurred just 48 days before the shots at Lexington and Concord, with the town crier announcing: “At five o’clock, this afternoon, a quantity of India Tea will be burnt in the market-place.”
· Fortifications (1775)
Following the outbreak of hostilities, the town of Providence erected a string of fortifications to protect its citizens in 1775. These defensive works were part of Rhode Island’s broader network of forts developed to protect ports and citizens from British attack, making Providence a fortified stronghold throughout the war.
· Military Headquarters
Providence served as the headquarters for American military operations in Rhode Island throughout much of the war. Major General Spencer established his headquarters in Providence in December 1776, followed by Major General Sullivan in March 1778, making the city the command center for Continental forces in the state.
· Privateering Capitol
Providence merchants became heavily involved in privateering, the legal form of naval warfare against British shipping. John Brown, a prominent Providence merchant, amassed a fortune by investing in privateers during 1776-1777, with Rhode Island commissioning more than 200 privateer vessels during the war, many operating from Providence.
· Escaped British Occupation
Unlike Newport and Aquidneck Island, which was occupied by the British from December 1776 to October 1779, Providence avoided British occupation throughout the war. This allowed the city to continue functioning as a center of commerce and resistance, while Newport’s economy was devastated by the occupation.
· Supplier to Continental and French Armies
Providence’s craftspeople and merchants supplied goods to both the Continental Army and French forces. The city’s merchants adapted their trading networks to support the war effort, running British blockades and outfitting ships elsewhere when necessary to maintain commerce and supply military forces.
· Formation of the Black Regiment (1778)
Providence played a crucial role in the formation of the famous 1st Rhode Island Regiment, known as the “Black Regiment.” General James Varnum, who had commanded troops from Providence, proposed to Governor Cooke the enlistment of enslaved people who would gain their freedom through military service. This regiment, which included about 140 African Americans out of 225 total soldiers, became one of the most celebrated integrated units of the Continental Army and fought with distinction at the Battle of Rhode Island and Yorktown.
These facts demonstrate Providence’s central role in the Revolutionary War, from early resistance activities to military command, economic support, and pioneering social policies that helped shape the emerging nation.
