Wilton Historical Society Exhibit: Rebels and Redcoats, The Aftermath of the Battle of Ridgefield

Exhibition Now open through October 30 at the Wilton Historical Society

In April, 1777, war came to Wilton. After burning part of Danbury and destroying Continental Army supplies, British troops under General William Tryon marched through Wilton on their way back to Westport and their fleet. With a sudden alarm sent throughout Connecticut warning of a British invasion, many hastily assembled soldiers fought to repel the enemy from their homes.  Now open, the Wilton Historical Society presents “Rebels and Redcoats: The Aftermath of the Battle of Ridgefield”, an exhibition which explores the actions of British, Patriots, and civilians involved in the Revolutionary War action known as the Raid on Danbury, with a particular focus on the march of British troops south down Ridgefield Road through Wilton.

Wilton resident John Reznikoff, a historic document expert, has loaned the highlight of the exhibition - an extraordinary piece of correspondence between Patriot Generals David Wooster and Selleck Silliman. The rare 1777 document, which may be the last one sent by General Wooster before he was mortally wounded at the Battle of Ridgefield the following day, is displayed along with other historic artifacts and documents from the Permanent Collection of the Wilton Historical Society.

The exhibition extends through October 30.

Wilton Historical Society, 224 Danbury Road, Wilton CT  06897   www.wiltonhistorical.org                              203-762-7257