Jason Rojas

The topics covered are as follows:

• Today in CT History
• Community Resources
• Manchester Community Events 
• East Hartford Community Events

Today in Connecticut history marks the anniversary of a horrible homecoming by one of Connecticut’s most infamous native sons — Benedict Arnold.

In early September 1781, the Southern Campaign of the Revolutionary War was in full swing, with major battles waged across Virginia and North and South Carolina earlier in the year. With so much of the Continental Army’s attention focused on the southern states, the British Army — which still maintained headquarters in New York City — found it an opportune time to raid and harass the coastal population of Connecticut, which had been one of the strongest state supporters of the Patriot cause throughout the entire war.

Earlier British coastal raids on Connecticut towns like New Haven and Fairfield were masterminded by William Tryon, a British Major General and Royal Governor of New York. In September 1781, however, one of the British Army’s newest generals, the American traitor Benedict Arnold — a man born and raised in Norwich, the town just to the north of New London — was given the nod. Arnold had thorough knowledge of the region and its defenses, and was eager to prove himself, having defected to the British the year before following a failed attempt to arrange the assassination of George Washington and turn control of the Patriots’ fort at West Point over to the British.

On the morning of September 6th, Arnold’s combined force of 1,700 British regulars, loyalist soldiers, and Hessian Jaegers landed on each side of the mouth of the Thames River; the western party headed north towards New London while the eastern party marched north to attack Fort Griswold, the large, star-shaped fortification primarily responsible for protecting New London harbor.

This vintage postcard shows the obelisk-style monument and preserved earthworks of Fort Griswold, which was turned into a state park in 1953.

Arnold himself led the western raiding party into New London, where they were met with virtually no resistance as local militia had spread the alarm early enough for most residents to evacuate the city. There, Arnold and his men put the torch to over a hundred homes, businesses, warehouses, and docked ships. Meanwhile, the patriots in Fort Griswold under the command of Colonel William Ledyard put up a valiant defense in what became known as the Battle of Groton Heights — the only major land battle of the American Revolution to take place in Connecticut. Ledyard’s men were ultimately forced to surrender after being overwhelmed by the British attack party’s superior numbers. According to numerous eyewitnesses, the British proceeded to storm the fort and slaughter most of the American soldiers, including Colonel Ledyard, after they had surrendered. In total, 85 out of an estimated 150 – 170 defenders at Fort Griswold were slain before the British spiked the American cannons and returned to their boats.

Even though the Battle of Fort Griswold and simultaneous raid on New London were tactical British victories, Arnold was criticized by his superiors for the high casualty rate incurred by the men under his command (about a quarter of which were killed or wounded) and for the controversial behavior of the British soldiers at Fort Griswold. It would take years for New London to recover from the extensive damage done by Arnold’s raid. Fort Griswold was repaired and used as a military fort until the early 20th century. Today it is operated as a state park, free and open to the public, and contains some of the best-preserved 18th century military earthworks in North America.

Further Reading

Edward Baker, “Benedict Arnold Turns and Burns New London,” Connecticut Explored

Richard Malley, “Blood on the Hill: The Battle of Groton Heights, September 6, 1781,” connecticuthistory.org

Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park (Official DEEP website)

Town Resources
https://www.easthartfordct.gov/residents
 
Town Newsletters
Pulse of East Hartford     
East Hartford Public Schools
East Hartford Works

The world-famous race, one of America’s largest and most popular turkey trots, will be held on Thanksgiving Day (November 28, 2024) at 10 a.m. It is run on a 4.737-mile loop course through Manchester’s central streets that starts and finishes on Main Street, in front of St. James Church.

The Committee has also announced that the non-profit Lutz Children’s Museum in Manchester will be the beneficiary this November of the road race’s annual “Honors Club” Program. For more information click here.

WWLM Warehouse Loading Dock, 16 Brainard Place, 06040

The Town of East Hartford Farmers’ Market is open Tuesdays through October 29 from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the Town Green / Alumni Park (1047 Main Street).

CALL FOR FARMERS’ MARKET VENDORS:

Are you a farmer or market vendor who produces honey, milk, eggs, bread, other foods, or locally produced crafts who wishes to be part of the East Hartford Farmers’ Market? Are you a business or non-profit organization looking to promote your services? Please visit the East Hartford Farmers’ Market website for guidelines and to access the vendor application (both online and printable options are available). There is no cost to participate as a vendor and individuals are able to request space for specific dates or the full market season. Once your application is submitted, organizers will review and determine if your product or service is appropriate for the farmers’ market.

DONATE TO BECOME AN EH FARMERS’ MARKET PARTNER!

The Town of East Hartford is asking for donations from residents, community organizations, and businesses to support our market programs that fight food insecurity right here in our community. Your support will help residents buy fresh, healthy foods from farmers that support our market. Donations will help the Town provide additional support to SNAP, WIC, and SFMNP recipients through farmers’ market matching vouchers.

Donations can be made online by visiting the Social Services Donation Program website and choosing the “Farmers’ market partner program” option. Alternatively, cash or check donations can be dropped off to East Hartford Youth & Social Services Division located at the Community Cultural Center at 50 Chapman Place. Checks should be made payable to the Town of East Hartford Youth & Social Services Division with “Farmers Market” noted in the bottom left. Any amount helps!

For more information regarding the various benefit programs and the Social Services donation program, please visit East Hartford Farmers’ Market website.

Welcome back Sunset Family! We would like to invite you all to our Sunset Ridge open house night on September 12th from 6pm-7:30pm. This is a great chance to get any additional information you will need for the year as well as take the opportunity to meet your student’s teachers. We hope to see many of you there! If you have any additional questions please do not hesitate to contact any of our staff.