Butts Hill Fort Presentation

On Feb 7 2023, Dr. Robert Norcross gave a presentation on the Battle of RI. This was the only battle fought in the state during the Revolutionary War.

Photo of introduction of Dr. Norcross who gave a presentation on the Black Regiment, and their action on Rhode Island (now known as Aquidneck Island) during the revolutionary war.

Introducing Dr. Norcross.

During the presentation he described the movements of the British, American and French forces as they happened on and around the island. While not decisive it gave the American troops experience needed in following battles. The French forces sailed up the bay but did not land on the western side of the island as planned, and instead went across to Bristol on the other side of the bay. If the Black regiment had not come up and reinforced the western side of the island the fort would have fallen resulting in the loss of the troops.

Butts Hill Fort the battle of Rhode Island, first regiment (black) August 1778

Title slide

Photo showing the battle of Rhode Island took place in Portsmouth, on Aquidneck Island, and was the only action of the revolutionary war that took place in Rhode Island.

Description of the battle of Rhode Island

5,000 to 8,000 blacks fought for the American side during the revolutionary war.

Count of black soldiers during the American Revolutionary War.

General James Mitchel Varnum (1748-1789) requested black troops from General George Washington. Washington approved the request and the Rhode Island legislature approved buying slaves for the regiment. The slaves received their freedom in return.

Funding request