Revolutionary War Program, Nov 3. At Putnam Park

REDDING — On Saturday , November 3, from 10 am to 4:30 pm, a Revolutionary War Camp will be presented at Putnam Memorial State Park.

The Friends and Neighbors of Putnam Park often celebrate the Revolutionary War Camps in Redding, which took place in 1778 and 1779, with re-enactments at the park. The November 3 event, “The Life of A Soldier Encampment,” will feature the roaring of a cannon, gun powder smoke from a mock battlefield skirmish, drill demonstrations, and drill instruction for kids.

An encampment of 3,000 Colonial troops in what is now Putnam Park, off of Route 58, in Redding, during the winter of 1778-79, is today frequently referred to by local historians as “our Valley Forge,” comparing it to the brutal winter suffered by Revolutionary troops under the command of General George Washington in 1777. (Recent research by Newtown Town Historian Dan Cruson, who published Putnam’s Revolutionary War Winter Encampment: The History and Archaeology of Putnam Memorial State Park last year, says that while men went about their day-to-day activities during their stay in Redding, an early spring meant that temperatures were not as severe as originally thought. Mud, and getting supplies through it, was much more of an issue.)

Visitors to Putnam Park on November 3 will be able to observe army camp life and meet the reenactors.

On sale will be food by the Bethel Boy Scouts and hand crafted Colonial items.

Admission to the event is free but donations are encouraged.

Putnam Park is located at the junction of Routes 107 and 58. The event will occur rain or shine.

For additional information call 203-938-2357 or visit www.PutnamPar.org.