| Revolutionary War on Wednesday Fort Butts Hill Portsmouth, RI |
| Background: This is another of the Kurdziels' Magic Tree House letterboxes based upon the series of children's books by Mary Pope Osborne. Rhode Island has a history rich in the pursuit of individual freedom and independence. It was the first of the colonies to declare independence from England (though the last of the original 13 to sign the Constitution). Butts Hill is one of the highest points on Aquidneck Island. In 1777 the British occupied this hill with its panoramic views and fortified their location with earthen redoubts.. Fort Butts was a key position during Rhode Island's only major Revolutionary War land battle, August 29, 1778. The Newport Historical Society has placed a marker that describing the battle in which Generals Lafayette, Hancock, Greene, and Sullivan participated. The battle was fought by the First and Second Rhode Island Regiments. The First Regiment is also known as the "Black Regiment" since it was composed mainly of slaves. If you are driving in from the south you will pass by a memorial to the First Regiment to the left as you go by the Rts 114 and 24 split. Unfortunately time has not been kind to this location. Trees and shrubs have grown up, obscuring some of the views, and there is a considerable amount of trash. Also, Portsmouth has taken advantage of the high point to build two water tanks. You can still clearly see the two levels of redoubts built by the British during their occupation, though. Difficulty: None. This is a "drive-by" and requires no real walking or clue divination. Directions: Take Rt 114 to Portsmouth. Coming from the north you will cross over the Mt. Hope Bridge. Before reaching Rt 24 you will come to the intersection where Rt 114 turns right and Rt 138 is signed ahead. Take a left onto Sprague Street. Coming from the south you will be traveling on West Main Road. After the Rt 24/114 split you will come to a stoplight where Rt 114 turns left. Straight ahead is Sprague. Continue on Sprague underneath the Rt 24 overpass. The second road on your right will be Butts. Turn right and wind up the steep hill, turning left at the split. Park anywhere in the center of the Fort and take the time to explore the earthen embattlements. Close your eyes and imagine what it must have been like without the trees and the water towers. The British and Continental armies must have had commanding 360o views of Narragansett Bay from this point. Read the marker describing the battle. Behind you will be one of two stone pillars built by the NHS to flank the entrance to the Fort. What you are seeking can be found adjacent to the other stone pillar. Check under a small pile of rocks three to four feet to the right of the pillar on the SE side of the wall. Watch out for poison ivy! Before setting off be sure to read the waiver of responsibility and disclaimer. LBNA Homepage Kurdziel Homepage |