Commemorating Rochambeau—

March To Victory Weekend Approaches

By Kendra Bobowick

Note: The following narrative offers a glance at historic Revolutionary War incidents and people linked to Newtown. Following the introduction is an itinerary of commemorative events taking place in Newtown and surrounding communities.

Tensions turned hostile and finally erupted into war between American colonists struggling to escape mother England’s hold in the late 1700s. Compounding the battles against British soldiers was a layer of distrust among colonists — some sympathized with England while Patriots hoped to stabilize their slipping grip on independence. Revolutionary War raged in the colonies during the summer of 1781.

At the same time, help was rallying overseas as the French seized the opportunity to battle their longtime foes in England. French troops took up arms against the British, specifically General Count de Rochambeau who followed King Louis XVI’s orders to come to America to help General George Washington. The two eventually defeated the British opposition in the colonies, prompting a turning point in the war and leading ultimately to British surrender.

When Count de Rochambeau landed in Rhode Island with his more than 5,000 soldiers and hard currency to replenish American forces, he branded a page in history that is now turned to frequently when the Revolutionary War is mentioned. From the shores of Rhode Island he began what has become his famed march through several states, traveling through surrounding towns including Newtown, and arriving eventually in Yorktown, Va.

Historians, including Newtown resident and author Dan Cruson, believe that Rochambeau’s and Washington’s allied troops altered the course of the war in Patriots (colonists’) favor. As the 225th anniversary approaches, nearby Southbury will host the largest event honoring Rochambeau’s march through the states. In the area a series of commemorative events, including a small ceremony in Newtown, will recognizing Count Rochambeau, his march, and the Revolutionary War era.

June 15, Waterbury East Farms Cemetery, 4 pm. A wreath laying ceremony honoring two French and ten American soldiers who died on the march through Waterbury will be held at the East Farms Cemetery on East Main Street where they were buried.

June 15, Waterbury Green 5 pm. Downtown comes alive to unveil the Rochambeau Commemorative Marker. This event kicks off greater Waterbury’s “March to Victory Weekend.” Ceremonies in downtown will take place on the green across from Mattatuck Museum. Reenactments include General George Washington’s arrival on horseback, drum corps and drum band, and color guard performances, more.

June 17, 18, Southbury events begin at 10 am. Platt Farm. As many as 1,000 reenactors will participate in two days of activities including 18th Century medical demonstrations, a host of speakers, Revolutionary War experts, an evening country dance. June 18 events include American and English camps, vendors, carriage rides, cannon salutes, more. The Southbury events will be held at Platt Farm with parking available at Southbury Training School (Route 172, I-84 Exit 14) .The Southbury festivities are detailed at southbyrbattle.com. Support is being provided by Washington Rochambeau Revolutionary Route (W3R), Alliance Françoise of Northwestern Connecticut, the Woodbury Historical Society, Daughters of the American Revolution, and the Connecticut Commission on Culture & Tourism.

June 29, Newtown, Hawley School, 4 pm. Historian Dan Cruson will unveil a plaque — one of a series commemorating Rochambeau’s march. Reenactors tracing the entire march route have expressed a desire to attend, along with local members of a Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) chapter.