Rise & Shine! Your Newport County guide for July 4

Will Richmond, Newport Daily News
·2 min read

Happy Fourth of July everyone.

In case you missed Saturday's edition of Rise & Shine or maybe you forgot over the long weekend, Scott Barrett is taking a couple of well-deserved days off and handing the newsletter off to me — Executive editor Will Richmond — in his absence.

While some of Scott's bells and whistles won't be included while he's away, hopefully, I can fill some of the void.

Today is July 4th and it's shaping up to be a great day to cap a long weekend. There are plenty of patriotic events and fireworks scheduled, but for those of you who want to enjoy the holiday but avoid the crowds I've got some suggestions that will keep you in the revolutionary spirit.

Butts Hill Fort

At this spot in Portsmouth the Battle of Newport — also referred to as the Battle of Rhode Island — was fought in August 1778. According to the Portsmouth Historical Society, Butts Hill Fort is the largest remaining Revolutionary War fortification in southeastern New England. There is also a current effort to develop the fort area into a public park to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the battle in 2028.

Green End Fort

According to the Newport Historical, Green End Fort was constructed in 1780 by American and French forces during the Revolution to defend Newport and Middletown against the anticipated return of the British Army, which had departed for New York City the previous October after an extended occupation of Aquidneck Island.

The Newport Historical Society continues to maintain, preserve and interpret the site.

Butts Hill Fort in Portsmouth, added to National Parks Service Revolutionary War trail in April. Monday June 14, 2021.
Butts Hill Fort in Portsmouth, added to National Parks Service Revolutionary War trail in April. Monday June 14, 2021.

Follow the Road to Independence

Speaking of the Newport Historical Society, the organization offers walking tours throughout the week, many of which have a Revolutionary War theme. On Mondays, the tour focuses on the Road to Independence, which is described as "Riots and rebellions, enemies and allies! Learn about Newport’s role in the American Revolution." The tour lasts 75 minutes and tickets range from $5-$15.

Rise & Shine! is powered by Daily News subscribers, who make this newsletter possible. If you appreciate what you're reading, help support it by becoming a digital subscriber. Click here to get started. 

This article originally appeared on Newport Daily News: Rise & Shine! Your Newport County guide for July 4