Go Back to Revolutionary Times with Burning of Fairfield Tour

The Fairfield Museum and History Center will host its annual Burning of Fairfield Walking Tour from 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. on Sunday, July 7 -- the actual date of the destruction of Fairfield by British troops in 1779.

The tour, which brings to life this piece of Fairfield’s history, will include stops at various homes on or adjacent to Fairfield's Historic Town Green. Actors will portray prominent citizens, according to Walt Matis, Museum volunteer coordinator.

“We use actual letters and depositions from 1779,” Matis said. “These are the real words of Fairfield citizens who lived through theburning of Fairfield.”

Matis explained that on July 7, 1779, the people of Fairfield awoke to a warning shot from the fort at Black Rock, signaling that a British fleet was spotted off the coast. For two days, Fairfield was under British attack with troops burning virtually all of its buildings. This attack was one of three, which also included the cities of New Haven and Norwalk. 

“Following the Burning of Fairfield in 1779, there was ongoing worry among citizens about a repeat attack,” according to Matis. 

This concern eventually led to the construction of the Powderhouse in Fairfield, which is located behind the site of Tomlinson Middle School.

The Burning of Fairfield Walking Tour will begin at the Museum, 370 Beach Road, and will take place rain or shine. The cost is $5 for museum members and $8 for non-members. 

To register for the Walking Tour, please call 203-259-1598.