We know that Roderick Terry saved Butts Hill Fort from being divided into 200 house lots. We know he turned over the property to the Newport Historical Society with restrictions. We know that Terry spoke during the dedication ceremonies on August 29, 1923. What did he tell the crowd that day? I am trying to put together a script for an actor who will be portraying Terry during the October 19th tours of the fort. The only record I have to go from is an article in the Newport Historical Society Journal from November of 1929.

Terry spoke towards the end of the ceremonies. He began by remarking “that in the presence of so many who were descendants of those who had fought on this spot 145 years ago”, it may be hardly proper for him to speak. He was not a native of Rhode Island, but was descended from Connecticut stock. His ancestor was a Colonel of the Connecticut forces in the Revolution. He had tried to prove his ancestor fought in the battle, “but unfortunately it was not so.”

Turning his thoughts to the celebration that day, he said it was the realization of the dream of many years. He had not been alone in the dream, “for several times others had attempted to secure possession of this site, but for one reason or another had been unable.” He felt grateful that “he could be the means of preserving for posterity these fortifications, which I hope would serve to all future generations as a reminder of what our ancestors had done to give us our Independence.” He hoped that “those who would visit this historic spot would find their Patriotism aroused, for in spite of what is the opinion of many today, we believe thoroughly in Patriotism, and that there are few nobler qualities to inspire great deeds”

He was happy to welcome the Artillery companies who make the day more enjoyable and instructive. Their uniforms carry our minds back to the day of the battle when their uniforms were not so clean. “But whether in 1778 or 1923, the wearers of these historic uniforms must be thrilled with the thought of what they represented.”

He closed by expressing the “hope that many in the years to come might visit this interesting spot and find here inspiration ever for better living.

These fortifications were not given to the Newport Historical Society as a personal possession of their own so much as a trust, which they held for the community. The purpose and hopes which lay at the bottom of the gift were listed in the deed given.

That the Newport Historical Society and its successors “shall forever preserve, keep and maintain” these premises “as a memorial or monument to the memory of those who fought in the American Revolutionary War – and as a place where the public may view and study the battlefield on which our soldiers fought to be enlightened in the battles fought in American History. The premises shall always retain the name of “Butts Hill Fort.”