Today’s ceremonies — marking Westport’s role in the Revolutionary War, 238 years ago today — drew a good-sized, historic-minded crowd.
One of the highlights was a walking tour from Compo Beach — where the British landed on April 25, 1777, en route to raiding the Danbury arsenal — to the Minute Man.
Our beloved (and newly renovated) town icon was joined by a kindred spirit: a member of the Sons of the American Revolution.
Tour-goers learned plenty. Here are 3 things I never knew:
- It’s “Minute Man,” not “Minuteman.” At least, that’s how it was punctuated during the original dedication ceremony in 1910. So that’s how I’ll write it from now on.
- It’s a “monument,” not a statue. We should focus on all the elements — sculpture, knoll, fence, stonework — rather than just the Minute Man himself. That was the whole idea, 105 years ago.
- There are only 4 Minute Man monuments in the world. The other 3 are in Concord, Lexington and Framingham, Massachusetts. When ours was dedicated, speakers declared it would be as famous as the 1875 one in Concord. It isn’t — but of the 4, ours is the only one depicting a patriot kneeling, at the ready. And that was the whole idea: to be ready “in a minute.”
Hey, Dan!
Who’s the Gent in the smashing costume? Or is this the latest Photo Challenge?
As noted, a member of the Sons of the American Revolution’
Yep. Damn those British.
Funny that so many Americans are on Royal Baby Watch.
I wonder when they’ll tear it down to build a McMansion.
Great picture! Love it!
That there is not a redcoat. That’s a Patriot!
Yes, a Patriot who, today, is in enamour of all things British, more so than any British colony! Such irony.
Oh I agree with that. There’s nothing in DC that’s American right now.
Keep Calm,
All will right itself out (?)
Thank you. I enjoyed reading that.
Dan, I am so grateful for your Minute Man coverage. Thank you!
It was a terrific event. I enjoyed visiting Jessup Green and speaking with the gentlemen who were stationed there. The lectures at the library were also very interesting. We live in a fascinating part of the country filled with living history.
Debbie went on the Minute Man tour and also found it very informative. (I would have gone too if it weren’t for my health issues.) Debbie is happy to report there were several kids–two different families–on the tour and the kids seemed to enjoy it. Kudos to the organizers of this event–for, among other things, making out history come alive.
It was an excellent tour, and I got to add something too. The mason who built the original stone wall that surrounded the base was John Burr Mills. His grandfather, John Mills, fought in the Revolution.
Excellent post!
-Joe and Henry
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Jacques, thank you for the information. I can imagine that John Burr Mills felt a special connection working on the wall. I know your family goes way back in Westport. Are you descended from the Mills?
Yes Joyce, my mother is a Mills.
Dan, thanks for this lovely coverage –and for participating as a tour guide too! You donned the tri-cornered hat quite well! I learned a lot myself not only from Ed Hynes on the battle but also from the participants! (I love the info about the original stone mason, John Burr Mills.)
It was a fun day and a great opportunity for the Town, the Library, the Westport Historical Society to collaborate, and also to work with the Sons of the American Revution. Thanks everyone!
Jacques, I thought she was. Please tell her I say “hello”.