Scholars for Life: Tryon's Invasion of Connecticut & the Battle of Ridgefield

Few places in Connecticut experienced the Revolutionary War as directly as Ridgefield, where a pivotal battle unfolded between 2,000 British troops under General William Tryon and American defenders led by generals Benedict Arnold, David Wooster, and Gold Selleck Silliman.

Taking place on April 27, 1777, the Battle of Ridgefield was part of a larger British expedition to destroy Continental supplies in Danbury. Although Tryon’s invasion of western Connecticut achieved the goal of destroying the Continental stores at Danbury, it failed to arouse Loyalist sentiment and demonstrated that Connecticut forces could quickly rally and nearly defeat a 1,800-man force. The British won the battle, but it was the last time the British army attempted an inland invasion in Connecticut. The dramatic encounter left a lasting imprint on the town’s landscape and collective memory. Efforts are currently underway to commemorate the event in time for the 250th anniversary

The talk and dinner are $25. Pay in person with cash or check or pay online at www.ccsu.edu/conedpayment/. Just type in $25 in the payment field and we will apply it to the event you attend.