Battle of Groton Heights and Massacre of Fort Griswold’s Garrison

British volley.

Also known as the Battle of Fort Griswold, the last major engagement of the American Revolution in the north was on September 6th, 1781, between mostly Connecticut militia under Colonel William Ledyard and professional soldiers and loyalists under the command of turncoat British Brigadier General Benedict Arnold. After a courageous defense of Fort Griswold, which …

Fishing Methods in Colonial America

One of the first journal entries of Virginia’s original settlers had to do with the topic of fisheries. George Percy was aboard one of three sailing ships that entered Chesapeake bay on April 27, 1607. He wrote that “We came to a place where they [natives] had made a great fire, and had been newly …

Black Hessians: German Troops Enlisted Former African American Slaves in the American Revolution

Champer Ederson was an African American soldier from Rhode Island.  In January 1779, during the American Revolution, he enlisted in the Fifth Company of the Hessian Knyphausen Regiment, serving as a drummer.  When the British and Hessian troops abandoned Rhode Island in October, 1779, he sailed with them to New York City.  He would not …

Seth Pomeroy: Forgotten Founder and the First Brigadier General of the Continental Army

Blacksmith, politician, and soldier, Seth Pomeroy never lived long enough to see the country he helped forge. But perhaps more lasting than what he did, is what he gave us. He yet stands alongside a rail fence on an immortal hill amidst hell’s fury. Before a wall of British steel, he turns his face from …

The Enduring Valley Forge National Historical Park

My good friend Ken Bohrer of American Revolution Photos allowed me to share his February 2021 blog on Valley Forge – #32. I highly recommend you view his other blogs along with thousands of great photos of the many American Revolutionary War reenactments he has chronicled over the years. Please click here and enjoy: American …

Road to Bunker Hill and General Artemas Ward – America’s First Commander-in-Chief

“Who?”… is the most common response when mentioning Artemas Ward. With the popularity of sixties iconic TV shows, another’s reply might be, “Don’t you mean Artemas Gordon?”…referencing Ross Martin’s sidekick role on the Wild Wild West TV series that ran four seasons starting in 1965. Of course there might be the more smug response, “Oh, …