When reenacting or acting as a historical interpreter, its good to have a few historical dates and stories to share. This series will publish a few.
July 6, 1779 Fairfield and Norwalk burnt
In July 1779 during the American Revolutionary War, British Major General William Tryon and 2600 men raided the Connecticut ports of New Haven, Fairfield and Norwalk. They destroyed military and public stores, supply houses, and ships, as well as private homes, churches and other public buildings. The raids were ineffectually resisted by militia forces.
The raid was part of a larger strategy designed by the British commander-in-chief, Lieutenant General Sir Henry Clinton, to draw Major General George Washington’s Continental Army onto terrain where it might be more effectively engaged. The strategy failed, and both sides criticized General Tryon for the severity of his action. Although the raid had economic ramifications, and affected military supplies, Clinton’s efforts had no long-term strategic impact.
Michael Carver -- Historical Interpreter/Reenactor 