CT DEP Announces Revolutionary War Re-Enactment at Putnam Memorial State Park, Redding
Event takes place during weekend of September 26-27
The Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announces a Revolutionary War re-enactment at Putnam Memorial State Park, Redding, during the weekend of September 26 – 27, 2009.
"The Model Company," a select group of living historians will represent Captain Andrew Fitch’s troops, as they appeared in the fall of 1778. The weekend re-enactment not only replicates the experience of soldiers in general, but represents that of a specific unit at a specific place to help people better understand the history of the Revolution. The program is free and open to the public.
Deputy Commissioner Susan Frechette said, "Connecticut is a state steeped in the rich history of colonial life and the fight for freedom. Through re-enactment demonstrations we are able to illustrate the experiences of Revolutionary War soldiers for families and their children who visit the park next weekend. Sharing the story of Connecticut Troops is an important aspect of understanding our history and the Revolutionary War. This dedicated group of re-enacters will enable visitors to witness first-hand what life was like for soldiers during this period. "
Background
In the early fall of 1778, the Connecticut line moved out of White Plains, New York and spent the next few months marching back and forth across the New York border. By the New Year, General Washington decided on the arrangement of the Continental army for the winter of 1779. Unlike the previous year at Valley Forge, the army would be dispersed. The Connecticut Troops, as well as Hazen’s Regiment and the New Hampshire line posted away from the main army to guard the army supplies at Danbury and monitor the Connecticut coast.
This program represents one company of Connecticut Troops, that of Captain Andrew Fitch of the 4th Connecticut, as they appeared in the fall of 1778. Over that time they moved frequently between Eastern New York and the area of New Milford, Ridgefield, and Danbury.
Schedule of Events
Saturday, September 26
* 9:00 a.m. – Noon Squad/Platoon exercise (Camp Parade)
* Noon – 1:30 p.m. Camp Life
* 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. Company exercise
* 2:30 – 4:00 p.m. Squad/Platoon exercise (Camp Parade)
Sunday, September 27
* 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Platoon exercise (Camp Parade) & instruction on firings by squad & platoon
* 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Company exercise on firings
* 11:00 a.m. – Noon Dinner/Clean equipment
* Noon – 1:00 p.m. Inspection and move to demonstration area
* 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. Demonstration
* 2:00 – 2:30 p.m. Final formation/Police Camp
Directions to Putnam Memorial State Park
Off I-95: take Exit 17. Take Route 136 north for 9 miles, at the intersection of Route 136 and Route 58; take Route 58 north drive 8.8 miles. Putnam Memorial is at the intersection of Route 107 and Route 58.
Off the Merritt Parkway: Take Exit 42. Take Route 136 north for 5.2 miles, at the intersection of Route 136 and Route 58; take Route 58 north drive 8.8 miles. Putnam Memorial is at the intersection of Route 107 and Route 58.
From the East: Off I-84, take Exit 10. Go left off the exit and follow to the Route 25 south. Take a right onto Route 302 and follow to Route 58. Take a left onto Rte 58 and follow south for 2.8 miles. Putnam Memorial is at the intersection of Route 58 and Route 107.
From the West: Off I-84, take Exit 5. Take Route 53 south for 3.4 miles, at Route 53 and Route 302 follow Route 302 east for 1.6 miles. At the intersection of Route 58 and Route 302, follow Route 58 south for 2.8 miles. Putnam Memorial is at the intersection of Route 58 and Route 107.
Event takes place during weekend of September 26-27
The Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announces a Revolutionary War re-enactment at Putnam Memorial State Park, Redding, during the weekend of September 26 – 27, 2009.
"The Model Company," a select group of living historians will represent Captain Andrew Fitch’s troops, as they appeared in the fall of 1778. The weekend re-enactment not only replicates the experience of soldiers in general, but represents that of a specific unit at a specific place to help people better understand the history of the Revolution. The program is free and open to the public.
Deputy Commissioner Susan Frechette said, "Connecticut is a state steeped in the rich history of colonial life and the fight for freedom. Through re-enactment demonstrations we are able to illustrate the experiences of Revolutionary War soldiers for families and their children who visit the park next weekend. Sharing the story of Connecticut Troops is an important aspect of understanding our history and the Revolutionary War. This dedicated group of re-enacters will enable visitors to witness first-hand what life was like for soldiers during this period. "
Background
In the early fall of 1778, the Connecticut line moved out of White Plains, New York and spent the next few months marching back and forth across the New York border. By the New Year, General Washington decided on the arrangement of the Continental army for the winter of 1779. Unlike the previous year at Valley Forge, the army would be dispersed. The Connecticut Troops, as well as Hazen’s Regiment and the New Hampshire line posted away from the main army to guard the army supplies at Danbury and monitor the Connecticut coast.
This program represents one company of Connecticut Troops, that of Captain Andrew Fitch of the 4th Connecticut, as they appeared in the fall of 1778. Over that time they moved frequently between Eastern New York and the area of New Milford, Ridgefield, and Danbury.
Schedule of Events
Saturday, September 26
* 9:00 a.m. – Noon Squad/Platoon exercise (Camp Parade)
* Noon – 1:30 p.m. Camp Life
* 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. Company exercise
* 2:30 – 4:00 p.m. Squad/Platoon exercise (Camp Parade)
Sunday, September 27
* 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Platoon exercise (Camp Parade) & instruction on firings by squad & platoon
* 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Company exercise on firings
* 11:00 a.m. – Noon Dinner/Clean equipment
* Noon – 1:00 p.m. Inspection and move to demonstration area
* 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. Demonstration
* 2:00 – 2:30 p.m. Final formation/Police Camp
Directions to Putnam Memorial State Park
Off I-95: take Exit 17. Take Route 136 north for 9 miles, at the intersection of Route 136 and Route 58; take Route 58 north drive 8.8 miles. Putnam Memorial is at the intersection of Route 107 and Route 58.
Off the Merritt Parkway: Take Exit 42. Take Route 136 north for 5.2 miles, at the intersection of Route 136 and Route 58; take Route 58 north drive 8.8 miles. Putnam Memorial is at the intersection of Route 107 and Route 58.
From the East: Off I-84, take Exit 10. Go left off the exit and follow to the Route 25 south. Take a right onto Route 302 and follow to Route 58. Take a left onto Rte 58 and follow south for 2.8 miles. Putnam Memorial is at the intersection of Route 58 and Route 107.
From the West: Off I-84, take Exit 5. Take Route 53 south for 3.4 miles, at Route 53 and Route 302 follow Route 302 east for 1.6 miles. At the intersection of Route 58 and Route 302, follow Route 58 south for 2.8 miles. Putnam Memorial is at the intersection of Route 58 and Route 107.