Traitor and Patriots II - The Groton Side LbNA #58516
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Add Location| Owner: | Adoptable |
|---|---|
| Plant date: | Jun 14, 2011 |
| Location: | Shore Avenue |
| City: | Groton |
| County: | New London |
| State: | Connecticut |
| Boxes: | 5 |
| Planted by: | Frozen Crusader  |
|---|---|
| Found by: | Nairon |
| Last found: | Sep 24, 2022 |
| Status: | FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFaF |
| Last edited: | Jun 14, 2011 |
Traitor and Patriots II – The Groton Side
This 2 part series was developed as a Boy Scout Eagle Project, to bring attention to the wonderful historic sites in the towns of Groton and New London, CT. This series can be done as a walking tour or you may drive. It is approximately 3 miles long.
As he sailed east on Long Island Sound toward New London Harbor with 32 ships and 1600 soldiers, he knew this would be a defining moment. His superiors knew it too. He was the best one for the job. He knew the area well, having been born and raised upriver from his destination on the Thames River. He knew the signal for friendly ships arriving and would be able to eliminate the risk of reinforcements arriving before he completed his mission. He also knew this would seal his fate in the eyes of those who used to speak his name with awe; forever his name would be synonymous with TRAITOR.
Benedict Arnold peered over the bow and signaled for the cannon to prepare to fire. The American patriots of New London and Groton, Connecticut would soon spy his ships sailing into the Thames River and shoot off two cannon fire, signaling enemy ships approaching, in an attempt to alert the inhabitants and farmers in surrounding towns to gather at Fort Griswold in Groton. The cannon could be heard as far north as his hometown of Norwich and Preston. Suddenly, two cannon shots pierced the silence……followed closely by his own cannon shot from the ship, a third shot, giving the false signal of a total of three shots, friendly ships approaching.
Half the ships sailed to the eastern shore of the Thames to attack the town of Groton and Fort Griswold. Arnold and the other half of the ships embarked to the left toward the western shore of the Thames, with New London as their destination. American Privateers had antagonized the British Navy long enough and it was his job to put a stop to them. He could see upriver that although the outlying towns were tricked into false sense of security, the two towns on the river could see the obvious threat and were spreading word of the invasion. Eight hundred soldiers strong, on each shore began to march on the two towns. Fort Trumbull, on the western shore was incomplete and not manned sufficiently to hold off the advancing soldiers, but Fort Griswold was better manned and armed than Arnold and the British had been led to believe. Gen. Arnold led the advance on New London while Colonel Eyre and Major Montgomery landed on the shores of the eastern side of the Thames River in Groton, where they would split the men into two companies of 400 each and march on Fort Griswold and the town.
Box #1: The British Have Landed -
Your search begins where Shore Ave and Beach Pond Road intersect at Eastern Point Beach. Here the fleet landed and began to embark on their approx 1 mile trek to attack Fort Griswold. To find your prize, head north on Shore Ave, avoiding the gate to the resident beach and passing several waterfront homes on the left. Spy the “chain” fence with a short pebble top wall beyond. Walk north, along the wall, to the end. Continue north “over a small green” a few steps and STOP! Look down to the rocks and note a “heart” shaped rock behind a “shark tooth”. Behind the tooth lies the prize. Please stamp in discreetly and rehide well.
Major Montgomery and his men headed north with guns and artillery, but soon encountered swamp and had to march east, more inland to come upon the Fort from the south east. To reach your next destination, continue north on Shore Ave, passing a golf course and some lovely waterfront homes. Turn RIGHT on W. Meech and then bear left onto Meech Ave. At the end of the Meech Ave, turn LEFT onto Eastern Point Road. Follow Eastern Point Road past Pfizer (pharmaceutical giant that has developed many medications) being sure to bear LEFT at the light at the large gas tanks. Continue on Eastern Point Road passing General Dynamics Electric Boat (Builder of submarines for the US Navy. Watch along the river as you drive/walk. You may be fortunate enough to see a US submarine being built or returning from or going out to sea, from the US Naval Base New London, which is several miles upriver). When you come downhill to the end of Eastern Point Road, as you pass Electric Boat (EB), go STRAIGHT at the light, uphill onto Smith St. Follow for several blocks to the intersection of Monument St and Park Ave, the same approach the attacking British came upon Fort Griswold. Park on Monument St.
Upon arriving at the fort, the British sent a flag, demanding an unconditional surrender to the Fort’s commander, Colonel Ledyard and the 160 men within. Most of the American soldiers were local man, many were home on furlough from the war, 14 of whom were Captains. The men sent a message back to the British, “We shall not give up the fort. Let the consequences be what they may.” Benedict Arnold, watching from the opposite shore, had sent an officer to countermand the assault, but it was too late. They attack was begun and Colonel Eyre fell, seriously wounded on the first round. Major Montgomery took command and surrounded the fort with 600 men. The British artillery, at one point in the battle, hit the flag pole, causing it to fall. They mistook this as a sign of surrender by the Americans and began to walk up toward the fort, only to be shot upon. This enraged them and caused them to attack more ardently. During the battle that ensued, Major Montgomery was killed by Jordan Freeman, a slave. Again, this caused more determined fighting and the fort was overcome by the much larger number of British troops. Realizing the battle was lost, Colonel Ledyard ordered his men to lay down their weapons and shouted a surrender. A British officer asked who commanded the fort. Colonel Ledyard stated, “I did, but you do now,” and extended his sword to the Major. The officer took Ledyard’s sword and promptly killed him with it. Thereafter ensued a massacre of the Americans, by the British, who killed or wounded nearly every man in the fort. Jordan Freeman was killed, along with another slave, Lambo Latham, who died with 33 bayonet wounds, after twice saving the life of his owner, Capt William Latham. Several boys, including 17yo Thomas Avery died as well. The attack was so vicious a British officer yelled “Stop, stop in the name of Heaven, stop! My soul cannot bear it,” causing the massacre to cease.
Box #2:Fort Griswold –
Here stands an obelisk monument, built in the 1830’s to commemorate the Battle of Fort Griswold. It was not completed, due to lack of funds, until a children’s penny campaign raised the sufficient amount needed to complete it. The monument predates the Bunker Hill Monument in Boston. (IF you are doing this letterbox between Memorial Day and Labor Day, it is recommended you visit the free museum before finding the box. There is a wonderful model depicting the appearance of the fort during the time of the battle, along with many artifacts from the battle, including the sword you will read about later in this series. You can also climb up the top of the monument, 169 steps, for a fantastic panoramic view of the area.) Walk west toward the main entrance and the iron gate, between the twin cannons and view the names of those who fought, died and were captured here, during the battle of Sept 6, 1781. From the gate, head 140 degrees to the original entrance. (The grass is allowed to grow tall to keep the fort from eroding. There were originally long wooden spikes protruding from the sides of the fort.) Walk into the fort and pause at the spot where Colonel Ledyard was killed by his own sword, as he surrendered the Fort. Then continue south to the plaque, marking the spot where Jordan Freeman killed Maj. Mongomery. Up, to the west is the flag and a wonderful view of the lower fort and river, as well as New London. Between the plague and flag is a tunnel. Enter the tunnel (Watch your head!) and follow out and along the “covered” way. (Watch your step!) This lower battery was added during the war of 1812 and the Civil War. Stop at the “Shot Furnace”. Now walk 220degrees uphill, through the rocky field and stop at a large rock. Walk toward an oak at 104degrees and stop at “US12”. Spy another gate at 76degrees and walk through it. Walk to the museum sign and then sit upon the stone bench close by. As you rest, reach BACK, under the NE corner for your prize. The ONLY logbook for part 1 of this series, is located in this box. Please be discreet and rehide well, being sure the front of the box is covered by the stones.
The British began to bury their dead, outside the fort. Colonel Montgomery was buried inside the “V” area outside the fort gate. His family had his remains brought back to England some years after the war. The British loaded about 35 wounded Americans in an ammunition wagon, proposing to pull it down to the river and load them aboard a ship. However, the wagon plummeted downhill and hit a tree, causing much suffering for the wounded as they were thrown out and died as a result. The wounded and dying were brought into the home of Ebenezer Avery, one of the men wounded in the battle. (This house is on the site, below the fort and is also open during the summer season.) Many of the wives and mothers of the wounded came here to care for them. One church in Groton lost it’s entire male membership in this battle. The Avery family alone, lost 10 members. An attempt to burn the house, with the wounded in it, was not successful, and the British left to continue to burn the town, including 19 homes bordering the river. Eunice Latham, wife of Capt William Latham, came to the home in search of her husband and her 12 year old son. She found her husband, seriously wounded, but learned that her son had been taken prisoner by Benedict Arnold. She secured a rowboat and crossed the river. She found Arnold’s tent and demanded he release her son. He allowed her to take him, telling her, “Take him, but do not bring him up to be a damn rebel.” She retorted, “I shall teach him to despise the name of a traitor!”
Box #3: Insult to Injury –
Leave the museum bench and walk back to the main entrance iron gate. From here turn 330degrees and walk to a large tree. Then walk to the next tree at 16degrees. Behind this tree, under some rocks lies your prize. Please stamp in and rehide well.
Return to the first tree at 330degrees and just beyond on the right, a pine needle path. Take the path downhill and note the VERY large grandfather tree on your right. Continue west to the Ebenezer Avery house and tour if it is open.
Many of the prisoners, who were able and not left to die, were brought down to the river to board ships which transported them to New York. There, they served time on “prison ships” in the harbor. Many more died among wretched conditions on these ships, which stayed in the harbor with rancid food and bitter water.
Box #4: Prison Ship Bound -
Continue downhill on Fort St next to the E. Avery House, through the pillars and across the street into the park. Follow the curved red brick path and stop at the first “white path”. Hiding on the SW side of the “bushy tree” on the SE side of the path lies your prize. Stamp in and rehide well. Continue down the brick path and read the plaque and sit and watch the river traffic.
Box #5: A Patriot’s Sword - Colonel Ledyard -
Return the way you came, up Fort St, back toward the museum and your car. To find the 5th and final stamp, you will be leaving this site. You can walk or drive to the final box. Continue west toward the way you came to the fort, past the museum and monument onto Park Avenue. At the end of Park Ave, turn RIGHT, onto Mitchell St. Follow Mitchell St. several blocks until you see the Colonel Ledyard Cemetery, on your left. Here, in this cemetery lie the remains of a number of the Fort Griswold colonial soldiers. Avery’s, Latham, and Stanton are among the names you will find here. It is still an active cemetery. To find the oldest part of the cemetery, enter the gates and drive back to the SE corner, beyond the “chapel”. You will find Col. Ledyard’s stone, now encased in a protective covering, behind an obelisk shaped stone with a depiction of his sword. Beyond his stone are the markers for several Avery’s (one who married 3 women named Elizabeth, all buried next to each other). To locate your final prize, find “Experience” and at 160degrees, lies within a cave. Please stamp in, and rehide well. There are several cemeteries in Groton where soldiers from this battle are buried. If you are interested, you can google the name Fort Griswold and find those sites. Also, Benedict Arnold, originally from Norwich, worked as an apothecary. His store, birthplace and the burial site of his parents are all in a charming section of Norwich. Benedict Arnold died and was buried in England.
We hope you enjoyed the second part of this series. To fully understand the events of that infamous day and finish the story and series, see clues for “Traitor and Patriots I – The New London Side”.
I would like to thank the numerous volunteers who donated their time and plastic boxes, paper for logbooks, carved stamps, and planted the letterboxes, as well as the City of Groton, City of New London, and State of Connecticut, Dept of Environmental Protection who oversee the State Parks of Fort Griswold and Fort Trumbull for their cooperation in assisting me in completing my Eagle Scout Project.
This 2 part series was developed as a Boy Scout Eagle Project, to bring attention to the wonderful historic sites in the towns of Groton and New London, CT. This series can be done as a walking tour or you may drive. It is approximately 3 miles long.
As he sailed east on Long Island Sound toward New London Harbor with 32 ships and 1600 soldiers, he knew this would be a defining moment. His superiors knew it too. He was the best one for the job. He knew the area well, having been born and raised upriver from his destination on the Thames River. He knew the signal for friendly ships arriving and would be able to eliminate the risk of reinforcements arriving before he completed his mission. He also knew this would seal his fate in the eyes of those who used to speak his name with awe; forever his name would be synonymous with TRAITOR.
Benedict Arnold peered over the bow and signaled for the cannon to prepare to fire. The American patriots of New London and Groton, Connecticut would soon spy his ships sailing into the Thames River and shoot off two cannon fire, signaling enemy ships approaching, in an attempt to alert the inhabitants and farmers in surrounding towns to gather at Fort Griswold in Groton. The cannon could be heard as far north as his hometown of Norwich and Preston. Suddenly, two cannon shots pierced the silence……followed closely by his own cannon shot from the ship, a third shot, giving the false signal of a total of three shots, friendly ships approaching.
Half the ships sailed to the eastern shore of the Thames to attack the town of Groton and Fort Griswold. Arnold and the other half of the ships embarked to the left toward the western shore of the Thames, with New London as their destination. American Privateers had antagonized the British Navy long enough and it was his job to put a stop to them. He could see upriver that although the outlying towns were tricked into false sense of security, the two towns on the river could see the obvious threat and were spreading word of the invasion. Eight hundred soldiers strong, on each shore began to march on the two towns. Fort Trumbull, on the western shore was incomplete and not manned sufficiently to hold off the advancing soldiers, but Fort Griswold was better manned and armed than Arnold and the British had been led to believe. Gen. Arnold led the advance on New London while Colonel Eyre and Major Montgomery landed on the shores of the eastern side of the Thames River in Groton, where they would split the men into two companies of 400 each and march on Fort Griswold and the town.
Box #1: The British Have Landed -
Your search begins where Shore Ave and Beach Pond Road intersect at Eastern Point Beach. Here the fleet landed and began to embark on their approx 1 mile trek to attack Fort Griswold. To find your prize, head north on Shore Ave, avoiding the gate to the resident beach and passing several waterfront homes on the left. Spy the “chain” fence with a short pebble top wall beyond. Walk north, along the wall, to the end. Continue north “over a small green” a few steps and STOP! Look down to the rocks and note a “heart” shaped rock behind a “shark tooth”. Behind the tooth lies the prize. Please stamp in discreetly and rehide well.
Major Montgomery and his men headed north with guns and artillery, but soon encountered swamp and had to march east, more inland to come upon the Fort from the south east. To reach your next destination, continue north on Shore Ave, passing a golf course and some lovely waterfront homes. Turn RIGHT on W. Meech and then bear left onto Meech Ave. At the end of the Meech Ave, turn LEFT onto Eastern Point Road. Follow Eastern Point Road past Pfizer (pharmaceutical giant that has developed many medications) being sure to bear LEFT at the light at the large gas tanks. Continue on Eastern Point Road passing General Dynamics Electric Boat (Builder of submarines for the US Navy. Watch along the river as you drive/walk. You may be fortunate enough to see a US submarine being built or returning from or going out to sea, from the US Naval Base New London, which is several miles upriver). When you come downhill to the end of Eastern Point Road, as you pass Electric Boat (EB), go STRAIGHT at the light, uphill onto Smith St. Follow for several blocks to the intersection of Monument St and Park Ave, the same approach the attacking British came upon Fort Griswold. Park on Monument St.
Upon arriving at the fort, the British sent a flag, demanding an unconditional surrender to the Fort’s commander, Colonel Ledyard and the 160 men within. Most of the American soldiers were local man, many were home on furlough from the war, 14 of whom were Captains. The men sent a message back to the British, “We shall not give up the fort. Let the consequences be what they may.” Benedict Arnold, watching from the opposite shore, had sent an officer to countermand the assault, but it was too late. They attack was begun and Colonel Eyre fell, seriously wounded on the first round. Major Montgomery took command and surrounded the fort with 600 men. The British artillery, at one point in the battle, hit the flag pole, causing it to fall. They mistook this as a sign of surrender by the Americans and began to walk up toward the fort, only to be shot upon. This enraged them and caused them to attack more ardently. During the battle that ensued, Major Montgomery was killed by Jordan Freeman, a slave. Again, this caused more determined fighting and the fort was overcome by the much larger number of British troops. Realizing the battle was lost, Colonel Ledyard ordered his men to lay down their weapons and shouted a surrender. A British officer asked who commanded the fort. Colonel Ledyard stated, “I did, but you do now,” and extended his sword to the Major. The officer took Ledyard’s sword and promptly killed him with it. Thereafter ensued a massacre of the Americans, by the British, who killed or wounded nearly every man in the fort. Jordan Freeman was killed, along with another slave, Lambo Latham, who died with 33 bayonet wounds, after twice saving the life of his owner, Capt William Latham. Several boys, including 17yo Thomas Avery died as well. The attack was so vicious a British officer yelled “Stop, stop in the name of Heaven, stop! My soul cannot bear it,” causing the massacre to cease.
Box #2:Fort Griswold –
Here stands an obelisk monument, built in the 1830’s to commemorate the Battle of Fort Griswold. It was not completed, due to lack of funds, until a children’s penny campaign raised the sufficient amount needed to complete it. The monument predates the Bunker Hill Monument in Boston. (IF you are doing this letterbox between Memorial Day and Labor Day, it is recommended you visit the free museum before finding the box. There is a wonderful model depicting the appearance of the fort during the time of the battle, along with many artifacts from the battle, including the sword you will read about later in this series. You can also climb up the top of the monument, 169 steps, for a fantastic panoramic view of the area.) Walk west toward the main entrance and the iron gate, between the twin cannons and view the names of those who fought, died and were captured here, during the battle of Sept 6, 1781. From the gate, head 140 degrees to the original entrance. (The grass is allowed to grow tall to keep the fort from eroding. There were originally long wooden spikes protruding from the sides of the fort.) Walk into the fort and pause at the spot where Colonel Ledyard was killed by his own sword, as he surrendered the Fort. Then continue south to the plaque, marking the spot where Jordan Freeman killed Maj. Mongomery. Up, to the west is the flag and a wonderful view of the lower fort and river, as well as New London. Between the plague and flag is a tunnel. Enter the tunnel (Watch your head!) and follow out and along the “covered” way. (Watch your step!) This lower battery was added during the war of 1812 and the Civil War. Stop at the “Shot Furnace”. Now walk 220degrees uphill, through the rocky field and stop at a large rock. Walk toward an oak at 104degrees and stop at “US12”. Spy another gate at 76degrees and walk through it. Walk to the museum sign and then sit upon the stone bench close by. As you rest, reach BACK, under the NE corner for your prize. The ONLY logbook for part 1 of this series, is located in this box. Please be discreet and rehide well, being sure the front of the box is covered by the stones.
The British began to bury their dead, outside the fort. Colonel Montgomery was buried inside the “V” area outside the fort gate. His family had his remains brought back to England some years after the war. The British loaded about 35 wounded Americans in an ammunition wagon, proposing to pull it down to the river and load them aboard a ship. However, the wagon plummeted downhill and hit a tree, causing much suffering for the wounded as they were thrown out and died as a result. The wounded and dying were brought into the home of Ebenezer Avery, one of the men wounded in the battle. (This house is on the site, below the fort and is also open during the summer season.) Many of the wives and mothers of the wounded came here to care for them. One church in Groton lost it’s entire male membership in this battle. The Avery family alone, lost 10 members. An attempt to burn the house, with the wounded in it, was not successful, and the British left to continue to burn the town, including 19 homes bordering the river. Eunice Latham, wife of Capt William Latham, came to the home in search of her husband and her 12 year old son. She found her husband, seriously wounded, but learned that her son had been taken prisoner by Benedict Arnold. She secured a rowboat and crossed the river. She found Arnold’s tent and demanded he release her son. He allowed her to take him, telling her, “Take him, but do not bring him up to be a damn rebel.” She retorted, “I shall teach him to despise the name of a traitor!”
Box #3: Insult to Injury –
Leave the museum bench and walk back to the main entrance iron gate. From here turn 330degrees and walk to a large tree. Then walk to the next tree at 16degrees. Behind this tree, under some rocks lies your prize. Please stamp in and rehide well.
Return to the first tree at 330degrees and just beyond on the right, a pine needle path. Take the path downhill and note the VERY large grandfather tree on your right. Continue west to the Ebenezer Avery house and tour if it is open.
Many of the prisoners, who were able and not left to die, were brought down to the river to board ships which transported them to New York. There, they served time on “prison ships” in the harbor. Many more died among wretched conditions on these ships, which stayed in the harbor with rancid food and bitter water.
Box #4: Prison Ship Bound -
Continue downhill on Fort St next to the E. Avery House, through the pillars and across the street into the park. Follow the curved red brick path and stop at the first “white path”. Hiding on the SW side of the “bushy tree” on the SE side of the path lies your prize. Stamp in and rehide well. Continue down the brick path and read the plaque and sit and watch the river traffic.
Box #5: A Patriot’s Sword - Colonel Ledyard -
Return the way you came, up Fort St, back toward the museum and your car. To find the 5th and final stamp, you will be leaving this site. You can walk or drive to the final box. Continue west toward the way you came to the fort, past the museum and monument onto Park Avenue. At the end of Park Ave, turn RIGHT, onto Mitchell St. Follow Mitchell St. several blocks until you see the Colonel Ledyard Cemetery, on your left. Here, in this cemetery lie the remains of a number of the Fort Griswold colonial soldiers. Avery’s, Latham, and Stanton are among the names you will find here. It is still an active cemetery. To find the oldest part of the cemetery, enter the gates and drive back to the SE corner, beyond the “chapel”. You will find Col. Ledyard’s stone, now encased in a protective covering, behind an obelisk shaped stone with a depiction of his sword. Beyond his stone are the markers for several Avery’s (one who married 3 women named Elizabeth, all buried next to each other). To locate your final prize, find “Experience” and at 160degrees, lies within a cave. Please stamp in, and rehide well. There are several cemeteries in Groton where soldiers from this battle are buried. If you are interested, you can google the name Fort Griswold and find those sites. Also, Benedict Arnold, originally from Norwich, worked as an apothecary. His store, birthplace and the burial site of his parents are all in a charming section of Norwich. Benedict Arnold died and was buried in England.
We hope you enjoyed the second part of this series. To fully understand the events of that infamous day and finish the story and series, see clues for “Traitor and Patriots I – The New London Side”.
I would like to thank the numerous volunteers who donated their time and plastic boxes, paper for logbooks, carved stamps, and planted the letterboxes, as well as the City of Groton, City of New London, and State of Connecticut, Dept of Environmental Protection who oversee the State Parks of Fort Griswold and Fort Trumbull for their cooperation in assisting me in completing my Eagle Scout Project.