Fort Stamford (Stamford, Connecticut)
Stamford · Connecticut · American Revolutionary War
History & Significance
Following a serious raid on Darien by British supporters, Connecticut's Governor and Council of Safety decided on August 31, 1781 to erect a permanent fortification to defend the Stamford–Greenwich area from attack. The fort formed part of a defensive ring (with counterparts at New Castle, New York and White Plains, New York) ordered by General George Washington.
Engineer Rufus Putnam, designer of West Point, created the fort's design, while General David Waterbury oversaw construction in 1781. At its peak, the fort housed 800 soldiers, though later in the war roughly 300 men manned it.
During the February 26, 1779 raid on Greenwich by William Tryon, General Israel Putnam rode to Fort Stamford to rally reinforcements; though Tryon retreated upon seeing the fort's garrison size, troops from the fort subsequently met him in battle near Palmer's Hill and the Mianus River. When the war ended, the fort was considered no longer necessary and was promptly sold.
Residents later referred to Fort Stamford as "Fort Nonsense." In 1926, the Daughters of the American Revolution dedicated a monument at the site, with the dedication conducted by Jean Parker Waterbury, a descendant of General David Waterbury.
Key Facts
Map
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🧳 Visiting
What you’ll see when you visit:
- Archaeological remains of Revolutionary War earthwork with three visible bastions
- Historic views over Mianus River and Long Island Sound
- Goodbody Garden on grounds
- Designed by engineer Rufus Putnam in 1781
Sources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Stamford_Site
- https://www.sarconnecticut.org/fort_stamford/
- https://goodbodygarden.wordpress.com/fort-stamford-1781-1783/
- https://www.stamfordhistory.org/rg12.htm
- https://www.fergusonlibraryarchive.org/exhibits/show/shc-exhibits-sprit-of-76/spirit76-01
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