British Got More than They Bargained for in Battle of Ridgefield

The political sentiments in Ridgefield at the outbreak of the Revolutionary War were similar to the isolationist view taken by many U.S. citizens less than 200 years later prior to the start of World War II, historians say.

While most understood the big picture, there was a permeating feeling of not getting involved until King George’s Army gave them something to get riled about, which they did, April 27, 1777.

Ridgefield wasn’t much then with its roughly 50 structures and 1,700 people, mostly farmers. It carried no strategic value to the plundering British, according to Keith M. Jones and his book, “The Battle of Ridgefield.”

Like most New England towns in that era, Ridgefield had a hub and Patriots gathered at Keeler’s Tavern the night before to drink their ale, eat dinner, and talk of how the British Army – as was its wont to do – torched the Continental Army’s supply depot in Danbury.

“Keeler’s Tavern was the hub of Ridgefield at the time,” said Angela Liptack, associate director of the . “It is where people gathered to discuss the issues of the day.”

The tavern offers a unique perspective of what colonial life was like at the time, according to Liptack, who said a stark reminder remains with a British cannonball stuck in the northeast corner of the building, a memento of when the shelling started.

“That’s the highlight of the tour for many,” said Liptack, adding it also served as a wake-up call to the Patriots.

British general William Tryon took from his fleet of 26 ships anchored at the mouth of the Saugatuck River, to present-day Westport, a battle contingent of 1,500 troops, a six-piece artillery unit and a cavalry group that was to easily dispatch of the colonials. Also riding with him was a 300-man regiment of colonials from Long Island and Fairfield County loyal to the British.

Tyron’s thinking was this group of loyalists might keep the Patriots at bay. He misjudged that badly, as Continental soldiers and militia from Peekskill, Dutchess County, New Haven and, of course, Ridgefield, mobilized.

The biggest unit was 700 strong under General David Wooster, who was camped in Bethel.

To avoid Wooster’s troops, Tryon began his retreat south at 2 a.m., heading toward Ridgefield. Wooster split his forces, sending groups under the direction of General Benedict Arnold and General Gold Selleck Silliman ahead to Ridgefield, while he chased the British from the rear.

On the site that is now Casagmo Apartments, the Patriots erected a barricade to slow Tryon’s troops, said Ridgefield historian Kay Ables, who operates the .

She said barricades were also established on what is now Grove Street and High Ridge.

Wooster attacked the British twice from the rear, but was mortally wounded during the second charge. The militia under Wooster’s command became confused and scattered. However, Wooster’s harassment of the enemy bought Arnold time to defend his barricade, but only briefly.

With superior numbers under artillery cover, Tyron overran Arnold’s men, but not before he displayed a courageous defense. Arnold took nine musket balls and collapsed under his horse. Arnold escaped and the British sacked the small town.

“It was more a skirmish than a major battle,” Ables said. “The British burned down the town, including the Episcopal Church, where arms were being stored.”

Although the Patriots lost the battle, it served to slow the British, who never again fought inside Connecticut.

Arnold was promoted to a major general rank after the battle, but his career soon stalled and he was passed over for promotion by the Continental Congress. Arnold became frustrated and began secret negotiations with the British in 1779. In July of 1780, his plot to take over West Point and turn it over was foiled.

“He was truly our hero,” Ables said. “He was brilliant. But, he was ignored by the American government and went over to the other side. He had been a wonderful American Patriot.”

Where Arnold fought so bravely is a century-old stone plaque nestled in the stone wall outside of Casagmo that has been worn by time and weather. It reads:

“In defense of American Independence at the Battle of Ridgefield, April 27, 1777, eight patriots who were laid in these grounds companioned by 16 British soldiers, living their enemies, dying their guests.

“In honor of service and sacrifice, this memorial was placed for the strengthening of hearts.”

Since 1877, every 25 years Ridgefielders commemorate the battle. Books and paintings of the battle are available at the and .