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Historic Site | Fort/Outpost

Butts Hill Fort

Large earthwork fortification situated in Portsmouth, Rhode Island constructed by joint Franco-American forces.

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Rhode Island
Fort Street Portsmouth, RI 02871
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Portsmouth, RI

This was the largest Revolutionary War earthen fort in southern New England and served as the American command post during the Battle of Rhode Island in August 1778. Allied French troops under Comte de Rochambeau enlarged the fort in 1780-1781. Butts Hill Fort offers a panoramic view of Narragansett Bay from the highest point on Aquidneck Island and features walking trails that let visitors stroll through the historic earthworks.

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Jean Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, Comte de Rochambeau, Marechal De France, by Charles-Phillippe Lariviere in the Palace of Versailles
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Comte de Rochambeau

What's Nearby

Explore more of The Liberty Trail by visiting these nearby attractions.

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Fort/Outpost
Early 20th century postcard depicting Butts Hill Fort in Rhode Island
Butts Hill Fort

Portsmouth, RI 02871

Franco-American defensive position in Rhode Island

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Butts Hill Fort
Historic Site
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Marker
Granite monument/structure in remembrance of the 1st Rhode Island Regiment
1st Rhode Island Monument

Portsmouth, RI 02871

Monument dedicated to the men of the 1st Rhode Island

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1st Rhode Island Regiment Monument
Battlefield
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Print of the Battle of Rhode Island.
Rhode Island

Portsmouth, RI 02871

First Franco-American operation of the Revolution

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Fort Barton in Tiverton, Rhode Island
Fort Barton

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Fort named for Lt. Col. William Barton

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Fort Barton
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Tactical position during the Battle of Rhode Island

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Miantonomi Hill
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Green End Fort

Middletown, RI 02842

French defensive position in Rhode Island

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Green End Fort
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Newport, RI 02840

Marker describing the destruction of the HMS Liberty

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Equality Park
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Newport, RI 02840

Tavern that hosted British and Loyalist troops

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White Horse Tavern
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Front of the Hunter House in Rhode Island
Hunter House

Newport, RI 02840

Former HQ of the French fleet in North America

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Hunter House
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Touro Synagogue

Newport, RI 02840

Only purpose-built synagogue to survive the Rev War

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Touro Synagogue
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Artillery Company of Newport Museum
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Vernon House

Newport, RI 02840

1780 headquarters of the Comte de Rochambeau

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Newport, RI 02840

America's first purpose-built library

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East Greenwich, RI 02818

Former armory and drill field of the Kentish Guard

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Kentish Guards Armory and Drill Field
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Site of the capture of the British crew of the Gaspee

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Gaspee Monument
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Providence, RI 02906

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Providence, RI 02903

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