Talk at Ridgefield Library Spotlights War on Long Island Sound

War on Long Island Sound: Spies, Smugglers, Midnight Raids

Following up on his spring talk about Tryon’s Raid and the Battle of Ridgefield, Ed Hynes of Westport will delve into Revolutionary War action on Long Island Sound in a talk held at the Ridgefield Library on Saturday, Nov. 23. 

In this exciting new lecture, co-sponsored by the Historical Society and the Library, Mr. Hynes reveals the exploits, intrigue, and terror of the people living around Long Island Sound during America’s War for Independence.

This chapter of the war, not as well-known as land-based battles, had a major impact on the populations of Connecticut and Long Island. The economic blockade between British-occupied Long Island and Patriot-led Connecticut led to raids carried out by smugglers and thieves, spying missions from both sides, and kidnappings and murders. With less than 10 miles of water separating the two combatants, the “War on Long Island Sound” was fought by people who knew each other and could navigate their way on water as well as land. 

The attack vessels were whaleboats, which were rowed and occasionally had a sail; quiet and very maneuverable, they were easy to conceal in coves or creeks along the coast. Mr. Hynes will describe the raids, some of which involved hundreds of men and were the result of careful scouting and planning. He will also discuss the dismal fate of Patriot prisoners held by the British.

A native of Wilton, Mr. Hynes has studied the history of the American Revolution and traveled extensively to battlefields in both the United States and overseas. His talk will begin at 11 a.m. in the main program room at the Library, 472 Main Street. There will be time for questions. To register, visit ridgefieldlibrary.org.