Revolutionary War Campsite facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
Revolutionary War Campsite
|
|
 |
|
 Location in Connecticut
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | Grounds of MDC Reservoir #6, West Hartford, Connecticut |
|---|---|
| Area | 8.7 acres (3.5 ha) |
| Built | 1778 |
| NRHP reference No. | 86000853 |
| Added to NRHP | April 24, 1986 |
The Revolutionary War Campsite is a special historical place in West Hartford, Connecticut. It's where American soldiers, called the Continental Army, camped during the American Revolutionary War in 1778. This important site was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1986. This means it's officially recognized as a significant historical landmark.
Contents
What is the Revolutionary War Campsite?
This historic campsite is found in a forest area. It's on land owned by the Metropolitan District Commission. The site is close to Reservoir #6, which helps supply water to the Greater Hartford area.
What can you see at the site?
Today, the campsite is mostly woods. The main things you can still see are old stone fireplaces. These are the remains of where soldiers cooked and kept warm.
Who camped here?
For a long time, people thought French soldiers camped here. They believed it was part of the march by the French Army led by Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau. His army marched through Connecticut in 1780 and 1781.
However, detailed records show that the French army never camped in what is now West Hartford. Instead, American soldiers used this spot.
American Soldiers in West Hartford
In 1778, three groups of the Continental Army were near the Hartford area. General George Washington was worried about British forces. He thought they might attack towns in Connecticut from New York City.
So, two brigades of American soldiers were sent to the area. One was led by Enoch Poor, and the other by Ebenezer Learned. They arrived in October 1778.
When did they camp here?
Old newspaper stories and a journal from an officer confirm this. American soldiers camped at this exact spot from October 15 to October 21, 1778. After the soldiers left, the area was used as a military hospital.
