Revolutionary War (1775-1783)

Even before war erupted, Connecticut passed anti-Tory laws. In time, these—and harassment from liberty-minded neighbors—forced many loyal to Britain to flee their homes or suffer imprisonment. When fighting started in 1775, Connecticut patriots earned acclaim, from Benedict Arnold (before he turned traitor) at the seizure of Fort Ticonderoga to Israel Putnam at Bunker Hill. Largely free from British occupation and major battles (except for raids on Danbury, New London, and other coastal towns), Connecticut provided food, cannon, and other goods to the Continental Army and became known as the Provision State. Other Revolutionary War notables include State hero Nathan Hale and Hannah Bunce Watson, publisher of the Connecticut Courant.



Articles to READ

ConnecticutHistory.org:
Revolutionary War – Topic Page

This TeachITCT.org activity is sponsored in part by the Library of Congress Teaching with Primary Sources Eastern Region Program, coordinated by Waynesburg University.