Westport Minuteman Statue, as pictured in Revolutionary Days in Westport. The story of the British landing at Compo Beach on April 25, 1777 and excursion to Danbury, Connecticut and back. The illustrations herewith are from photographs taken special for this article by Fr. Perry of Westport. (Connecticut Digital Archives)
"The Cannons" Compo Beach: Postcard of the Cannons at Cedar Point on Compo Beach. Image shows the cannons in the foreground with the rocky shore around. (Connecticut Digital Archives)
The town of Westport did not exist until 1835, when it was carved out of parts of Norwalk, Fairfield, and Weston. At the time of the Revolutionary War, what is now the commercial center of Westport on the east side of the Saugatuck River was called "Saugatuck" or "Saugatuck Village". Continue reading from Douglas, The Bridge Not Taken: Benedict Arnold Outwitted, xvi
On Friday, April 25th, 1777, a mild sunny afternoon, twenty-six sail of the enemy's ships were anchored at the mouth of the Saugatuck river in the town of Fairfield, a little before sunset, 2000 well armed troops were landed on the long beach at the foot of the beautiful hill of Compo. Continue reading from Burr, The Invasion of Connecticut by the British and the Landing at Compo Beach, 4
General Tryon lay that Night at Ridgefield, and renewed his March on the Morning of the 28th - the Enemy, having been reinforced with Troops and Cannon, disputed every advantageous Situation, keeping at the same Time smaller Parties to harrass [sic] the Rear, until the General had formed his Detachment upon a Height, within Cannon Shot of the Shipping, when the Enemy advancing, seemingly with an intention to attack him, he ordered the Troops to charge with their Bayonets, which was executed with such Impetuossity [sic] that the Rebels were totally put to Flight, and the Detachment embarked without further Molestation. Continue reading from Westport Museum for History and Culture
Benedict Arnold to General McDougall: "At 11 o'clock this morning we met the enemy with 500 Militia about two miles from this place [Saugatuck], when a skirmishing began between the flanks and soon became general, which continued until five o'clock, when the enemy gained an height [Compo Hill] under cover of their Ships, and embarked before night." Continue reading from Douglas, The Bridge Not Taken: Benedict Arnold Outwitted, 30
Burr, W. H. Where Heroes Fought (1903, Feb 07). The Hartford Courant (1887-1922). (Proquest)
That Compo Fight (1903, Feb 25). The Hartford Courant (1887-1922). (Proquest)
