PORTSMOUTH — The property where the largest remaining Revolutionary War fortification in southeastern New England now sits could have easily become house lots if a certain someone didn’t intervene a century ago.

On Saturday, Aug. 19, the Battle of Rhode Island Association (BoRIA), in partnership with the Portsmouth Historical Society, will mark 100 years since Dr. Roderick Terry, then president of the Newport Historical Society, bought the land on which Butts Hill Fort sits, saving it from being developed. 

BoRIA and the Society invite the public to join the Dr. Roderick Terry Centennial Celebration from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Paul Revere cannons will be demonstrated by the Artillery Company of Newport, which participated in the inaugural event in 1923. The Middlesex County Volunteers Fifes & Drums will be on hand to provide the sounds of the event. The 54th Regiment of Foot and the Kingston Reds will give musket demonstrations, and colors presentations will be made by the Henry Knox Color Guard from the Massachusetts Sons of the American Revolution, which will also play The National Anthem.

Speakers include historian Michael J. Simpson, who researched Dr. Terry’s life and conservation efforts via funding from the BoRIA and the Redwood Library and Atheneum; Portsmouth Town Historian Jim Garman, who will discuss the Battle of Rhode Island and Butts Hill Fort; and R.I. Sen. Linda L. Ujifusa and Portsmouth Town Council member Charles J. Levesque, who will speak and lead the rededication. 

There will also be a cake-cutting ceremony before tours of the fort. For a complete schedule of the day’s events, go to battleofrhodeisland.org. 

Notes on parking

Parking will be available at Portsmouth High School’s tennis courts. From there, it’s a short walk to the Fort’s entrance. No parking is allowed on Butts Street or in the Fort. 

For those with physical or mobility challenges, use Butts Hill Street and check in at the top with a volunteer. Volunteers will assist with access to the event area; contact publicrelations@battleofrhodeisland.org

BoRIA  is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit committed to raising awareness of Rhode Island’s role in the War for Independence through research, talks, living history events, publications, and a website (battleofrhodeisland.org). Donations may be made payable to “BoRIA” at PO Box 626, Portsmouth, RI 02871, or by visiting: https://battleofrhodeisland.org/donate.