Fairfield Museum Commemorates Burning of Fairfield in 1779

As you run errands, drop the kids off at camp, or dash to the office, it's easy to forget that Fairfield is a town steeped in history. Sure, you've driven by Old Town Hall on Old Post Road or maybe even stopped at the Burr Mansion at Christmastime, but have you ever really thought about Fairfield's contribution to history?

Wednesday evening, about 40 residents and history buffs gathered at the Fairfield Museum and History Center on Beach Road for a walk and talk remembering the 231st anniversary of the burning of Fairfield by British troops.

The group spanned all ages and even included an 8-year-old boy from Greenwich with a huge appetite for Revolutionary War facts.  While many attendees were from Fairfield, others came from surrounding towns to satisfy their curiosity about this historic event.

Walt Matis, dressed in period garb to represent a patriot, led the tour which began at the museum, traveled to various spots along Old Post Road, and ended at the Old Burying Ground, a historic cemetery on Beach Road. The walking tour began at 7 p.m. and ended around 8:30 p.m.

Matis explained that Fairfield was a hot bed of patriotism around the time of the Revolutionary War. Its independent streak and the fact that it was the county seat at the time (it was changed to Bridgeport in the late 1800s) made it a target for the British. In 1779, the British devised a plan to attack Connecticut, beginning with New Haven and New London. While Fairfield initially thought it would be spared, ships were spotted on July 7, 1779 in Long Island Sound off the Fairfield coast.

In a setting straight from Hollywood, the fog rolled in and obscured the ships, but an early morning warning that the Brits were spotted allowed many Fairfielders to hide their valuables and ammunition. Many headed for surrounding areas, while others stayed behind to protect their homes. Soon, the town was invaded by British troops marching up Beach Road. The troops never engaged in a large battle, though many skirmishes did occur. As the day wore on, troops began setting fire to homes and plundering whatever they could - even stripping the buckles off shoes.

One of the unique aspects of this walking tour was the recitation of actual testimonies from Fairfielders. At each visit, which included stops at Sun Tavern, Burr Mansion, Old Town Hall, a private home at 249 Beach Road, and finally the cemetery where many Revolutionary War heroes are buried, volunteers read the harrowing testimony of actual residents. From well-known society types like Eunice Burr, who pleaded with soliders to spare her home (they did not) to the reverend who was forced to address his church after the devastation, the reports were remarkably insightful.

The burning didn't end on the 7th and continued on July 8 before the British retreated and boarded their ships. All in all, 169 buildings, including 90 homes, were destroyed. As with many stories of devastation, there were several accounts of bravery and even a little bit of luck. In one case, the house at 249 Beach Road, did not succumb to fire, despite several attempts by the British. It is said that a servant was hiding in the attic and crept down to extinguish the fires each time they were lit. While the tour was not allowed inside this private home, Matis mentioned that the burn marks are still visible on the wood floors. Several houses next door were also spared from the fires. It is unknown whether they were owned by Loyalists, and spared for their dedication to the British crown, or if they were used to house some troops and spared for the favor.

Despite the sticky heat and intermittent mosquito bites, the crowd was in good spirits and was fascinated by the story of Fairfield's involvement in the Revolutionary War.

If you missed the walking tour and want to learn more about Fairfield's history, visit the Fairfield Museum and History Center at 370 Beach Road and check the Web site, www.fairfieldhistoricalsociety.org