The Westport Public Art Collections feature over 1,500 works.
Some are by artists like Picasso. Some are famous, like Muhammad Ali’s fist. Many are by local illustrators, and/or show local landmarks.
But not all are oils, watercolors and photographs.
WestPAC includes a number of outdoor sculptures. They’re at sites like Jesup Green, Grace Salmon Park — and Canal Park.
That one –“Seagull,” by Christopher Ray — was the subject of last week’s Photo Challenge. (Click here to see.)
According to Kitty Graves, one of several readers who correctly identified the Challenge — he created it for his mother’s garden. (She was the well known garden designer Eloise Ray. A park named in her honor on Riverside Avenue features a different (non-Christopher Ray) sculpture.
Others who knew where “Seagull” landed were Morley Boyd, Andrew Colabella, Lynn Untermeyer Miller, Claudia Sherwood Servidio, Sal Liccione, Maja Sholler and Jen Fridland.
Here’s a hint to today’s Photo Challenge: It’s outdoors.
You probably figured that out on your own. If you also figure out where in Westport you’d see this, click “Comments” below.
(Photo/Jerry Kuyper)
(Every Sunday, “06880” hosts this Photo Challenge. We challenge you too to support your hyper-local blog. Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)
The troops marched to Danbury, burned an arsenal there, then — on their way back — were attacked by patriots, not far from where the Minute Man monument now memorializes the fight.
That caused Ed Davis to flash back 49 years. He writes:
“During the 1970s and ’80s I did Revolutionary War reenactments.
“We recreated De Lancey’s Brigade, a loyalist group based in the New York area. We would team up with other re-enacting groups (British, loyalist, American “rebels,” French, Native American). We were proud of our authenticity.
“To tell the truth, it was fun to play the ‘bad guy’ (we got to ‘die’ more). During the Bicentennial in 1976 we had a lot of events, some with over 4,000 participants.
“We had a lot of adventures, and I have a lot of stories (I met the woman who became my wife after an event in South Carolina).
“But the most fun were the small, local events like Compo, the Norwalk Oyster Festival, the Battle of Ridgefield, the various firefighter parades in Westchester and Putnum Counties, etc.
“Compo was one of the battles we got to ‘win’ (the Minute Men did chase the British back to the sea, but they were leaving anyhow).
“Since this battle was in Westport, I rode my motorcycle to the event in full uniform, my musket strapped to the back of the bike. It was a little unreal storming the same beach in full uniform that I grew up on in swim trunks.”
British troops return to Compo Beach, in 1976 …
… and show their firepower. (Photos courtesy of Ed Davis)
The final step in the 2026-27 budget process — approval by the Representative Town Meeting — takes place May 4 and 5 (7:30 p.m., Town Hall auditorium).
The first night, the RTM considers the town budget. On the second, they’ll vote on the Board of Education request.
Dozens of Westporters celebrated Arbor Day on Friday, with free seedlings.
The Tree Board gave away ninebark, black gum and witch hazel varieties, in the back of Town Hall.
We won’t see the full results for years.
But the wait — along with the generosity of the Tree Board, and the work of our neighbors — will be worth it.
Tree Board seedling giveaway. (Photo/Eric Bosch)
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More civic pride: As part of yesterday’s Parks & Recreation Department Clean Up Westport Day, the Westport Rotary Club and Sunrise Rotary worked together yesterday, cleaning up all around I-95 Exit 17 — the entrance and exit ramps, and nearby parking lot.
There was plenty to do. But — like Rotarians everywhere — they were all smiles doing it.
Rotarians clean up, by the highway. (Photo/Anil Nair)
Part of the Parks & Recreation Department’s great Kickoff to Summer event — featuring food, touch-a-truck, bouncy houses, a climbing wall, face painting, helicopter rides and more (May 23, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.) — is an unveiling of the new mural next to the concession stand.
Right now, they’re looking for help with the installation. It begins the first weekend in May.
Anyone 12 and over is welcome. It’s another family-friendly activity. If interested, email pkoskinas@westportct.gov.
Luke Bernier’s mural will soon be hung at Compo Beach.
The public’s fascination with artificial intelligence continues.
So does the Westport Library’s exploration of it.
On Tuesday (April 28, 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.), national broadcaster (and Westport resident) Dave Briggs returns for another deep dive into that rapidly revolving world.
He’s joined by Daron Acemoglu, a well-known economist who specializes in technology’s impact on the labor market. Their topic is a hot one: job displacement.
Anthropic founder Dario Amodei said recently that 50% of entry-level white collar jobs will be eliminated, and unemployment could spike as high as 20%, in the next years.
What does Acemoglu think? Briggs will make sure to ask.
But Greens Farms Garden Club members are busily (and happily!) digging in the dirt.
They’re getting ready for their annual plant sale. This year’s event is Saturday, May 16 (9 a.m. to 1 p.m.), at Sherman Green on the Post Road in Fairfield.
They’re selling perennials, annuals — and “some surprises”!
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After decades of getting ready for the 7:30 a.m. bell, retired teachers have the luxury of sleeping in.
But former Staples High School educators find a variety of ways to stay active and engaged. They lead full, interesting lives.
Every so often they get together (though a bit later than 7:30) to compare notes, and talk about their lives then and now.
They call themselves ROMEOs: Retired Old Men Eating Out.
How many of these legendary teachers do you recognize?
Clockwise from lower left: Stan Rhodes, Toby Watson, Al Jolley, Bruce McFadden, Dave Deitch, John Pepe, Jim Honeycutt, Bob Selverstone, Ed Bludnicki, Brian Kelley, Jeff Lea, Werner Liepolt, Pete Van Hagen.
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The Westport chapter of Business Network International — the largest in Connecticut — invites local business professionals to experience “the power of referral-based growth.” Visitor’s Day is Thursday, May 7 (7 to 9 a.m., United Methodist Church of Westport & Weston).
Along with coffee and baked goods, guests get an inside look at how a structured referral system can generate consistent, high-quality business.
The chapter currently offers a limited number of seats for professionals in select categories: estate planning/elder law, home health/senior care, business attorney, HVAC, roofer, event/wedding planner and travel advisor.
“Food is one of the last areas where real bipartisan work gets done.”
That was message Thursday, at the Y’s Men’s weekly meeting.
Consumer Reports food policy chief Brian Ronholm told the group that CR’s independent funding lets him fire off “snippy emails” to the Food & Drug Administration, without worrying about angering industry or government funders.
Regulators now often come to CR first, sometimes even timing enforcement pushes like “Operation Stork Speed,” on heavy metals in infant formula, to CR’s investigations, using their data as a catalyst for action.
The discussion was led by Jen Shecter, CR’s vice president and chief content officer, who lives in Weston.
From left: Brian Ronholm, Consumer Reports reporter Paris Martineau, senior manager Sana Mujahid, Jen Shecter. (Photo/Ted Horowitz)
And finally … in honor of the ROMEOs (former Westport teachers who call themselves Retired Old Men Eating Out — story above), here’s an appropriate song.
So where are all the retired women?
Probably having a great time at home, with their husbands out of the house.
Everyone talks about affordable housing. It’s a national crisis — and a local issue.
But — like the famous elephant, and the blind men who try to describe it — everyone has a different idea what it means.
There are, however, some very clear definitions of the term. They’re used by federal, state and local governments to plan and build affordable housing.
Westport’s Affordable Housing Committee recently launched an “Information Hub” web page. It includes Frequently Asked Questions — with clear, comprehensive answers.
Here’s what they say.
What is affordable housing?
The US Department of Housing and Urban Development defines Affordable Housing as housing where the occupant pays no more than 30% of gross income on housing, including utilities. Households paying more than 30% of gross income on housing are considered “cost burdened.”
Generally, the state of Connecticut considers housing to be affordable if total housing costs do not exceed 30% of household income for persons or families whose annual income does not exceed 80% of the lesser of the state or area median income.
Who would qualify for affordable housing in Westport?
Using 80% of state median income, a family of 4 making less than $99,680 per year, or an individual making less than $69,775 per year, could qualify for affordable housing.
How much can a Westport household spend on housing costs, and not be considered “cost burdened”?
An individual making less than $69,775 per year can spend $20,932 annually ($1,744 a month) on housing costs, including utilities.
A family of 4 making less than $99,680 per year can spend $29,904 annually ($2,492 a month) on housing costs, including utilities.
The median cost of rent (condo/apartment) in Westport is $4,300 a month, including utilities. (November 2025 MLS)
It is important to note that the typical person who qualifies for affordable housing is employed.
Residents of the 19-unit 122 Wilton Road apartments include people who work in local supermarkets and other businesses.
Why does Westport need affordable housing?
To maintain a diversity of residents of all income levels.
To address the increase in housing costs and affordability.
The housing market is inaccessible to those whose only income is from Social Security or a minimum wage job.
Seniors struggle to find affordable housing when downsizing.
Many people who work in Westport and who support the community cannot afford to live here.
Many children who grew up in Westport cannot afford to return.
Nearly a third (29.2%) of homeowners and over a third (36.8%) of renters in Westport spend more than thirty percent (30%) of their income on housing. Town of Westport Affordable Housing Plan, 2022-2027.
According to the Center for Housing Opportunity, 21% of working families in Westport struggle to afford the basic cost of living.
Essential workers, for example, teachers, healthcare providers, service workers and first responders who support the Westport community and who cannot afford the market rate housing.
Local businesses in need of a more stable workforce.
Adopted zoning regulations to promote the creation of a variety of housing choices.
Created by ordinance, an Affordable Housing Trust Fund “to be used for the preservation of existing and the creation of new affordable rental and home ownership in the Town.” See Code of Ordinances, Chapter 2, Article VI
Westport currently has 420 units of affordable housing.
What is 8-30g?
The state of Connecticut established a goal that affordable housing should represent 10% of the total housing inventory in each municipality.
General Statute 8-30g was enacted in 1989 as a way to facilitate the construction of affordable housing. It provides a special appeals process to a developer in the event a housing development containing a specified minimum amount of affordable housing is denied by a local land use board. This appeals process is only applicable to communities that do not meet the state’s affordable housing goal.
How does 8-30g define affordable housing?
“Assisted Housing”: housing development that receives financial assistance under any government program
“Set-aside development”: development where not less than 30% of the units are conveyed by deed containing covenants or restrictions which require that, for at least 40 years after the initial occupation of the development, such units will be sold or rented at, or below, prices which are 30% or less of a person’s or family’s annual income, where such income is less than or equal to 80% of the state median income or area median income, whichever is less.
Among Westport’s affordable housing options: Sasco Creek Village.
Why do developers use 8-30g?
In towns that have less than 10% affordable housing:
§8-30g allows a developer to override local zoning regulations (for example, with respect to building size, setback and other zoning rules), and build housing, as long as the developer “sets aside” 30% of the dwelling units as affordable for a period of not less than 40 years.
15% of the “set aside” units must be available to people or households with incomes at or below 80% of the lesser of state or area median income.
15% of the “set aside” units must be available to people or households with incomes at or below 60% of the lesser of state or median income.
Rent can be no more than 30% of income thresholds.
Units must be on site.
In traditional land use appeals, the developer must convince the court that the municipality acted illegally, arbitrarily, or abused its discretion. 8-30g shifts the burden of proof from the applicant to the municipality.
In order to reject an 8-30g application, the municipality must prove, based upon the evidence presented, that: (a) the denial was necessary to protect substantial public interests in health, safety, or other matters that the municipality may legally consider; (b) these public interests clearly outweigh the need for affordable housing; and (c) the public interests cannot be protected by reasonable changes to the proposed affordable housing development.
Artists’ rendering of apartments being constructed now on Hiawatha Lane Extension. They’ll contain 8-30g units.
What is an 8-30g moratorium, and how is it determined?
State law allows municipalities to apply for and receive a temporary 4-year moratorium (a “certificate of affordable housing completion”), during which time the municipality is exempt from most affordable housing developments proposed under 8-30g.
A municipality is eligible to apply for a moratorium if it can show that it has added affordable housing units, measured in Housing Unit Equivalent points, equal to the greater of 2% of the total number of housing units as of the last census or 75 HUE points. A formula assigns points depending upon the type of unit developed and the maximum qualifying income. The highest points (2.5) are reserved for rental units that are restricted for those earning not more than 40% of the area median income. Only units that have been newly constructed or deed restricted after July 1, 1990 (the date 8-30g took effect) are eligible for HUE points.
Will Westport achieve a moratorium?
Westport achieved its first moratorium in 2019. That moratorium expired in 2023. It is now working towards a second moratorium in 2027.
Wakeman Town Farm recently wrapped up a heartwarming lamb fostering program. It was created and run by Judy Panzer.
After reaching out to Bluebird Farm in Willington, Judy welcomed 4 2-week-old lambs to the farm.
Over the course of 6 weeks, Judy and a volunteer team nurtured them with bottle feedings 4 times a day, while inviting the community to spend time helping feed and socialize the lambs.
Judy Panzer and friend.
Visitors of all ages engaged directly with the lambs, creating meaningful, hands-on connections with farm life.
The program brought joy to many, raised substantial money to support farm education programs, and most importantly, gave the lambs a strong, healthy start.
After 6 weeks at Wakeman Town Farm they moved on to their forever homes as happy, well-adjusted and irresistibly adorable young lambs.
Judy developed and ran this program, which provided lamb cuddles to several hundred local residents this spring. We would love to recognize her efforts.
Done! Congratulations, Judy. You (and your fellow volunteers are true unsung heroes!
(“06880” is proud to honor Unsung Heroes — and tell many other tales of town too. Please click here to support your hyper-local blog.)
A new (and temporary) look for the Ned Dimes Marina. (Photo/Ron Poserina Jr.)
It was removed — temporarily — as part of a project to replace the piers, wood dock and deck at the office and clubhouse.
The Parks & Recreation Department reports that, due to extreme winter conditions that impacted water and electrical service on the docks (as well as South Beach bathroom facilities), water service to the docks at Ned Dimes Marina will be restored by late May.
Electrical service will be delayed until sometime in June. Officials are working on a solution for boaters to be able to charge batteries starting in June, most likely on a temporary generator supply to the individual docks.
South Beach bathroom facilities cannot be opened until the project is done. completion. Temporary facilities will remain until the restrooms are opened.
Meanwhile, also over on South Beach, Parks & Rec is installing power. It will be used for special events like LobsterFest.
Security cameras may be added too.
Electrical trench on South Beach. (Photo/Dorothy Robertshaw)
Parks & Rec also notes issues with navigational aids at the entrance to the Saugatuck River channel.
Can 5 and Nun 6 are missing. Nun 8 and Can 9 are significantly off station. The Coast Guard has been notified, and will replace them as soon as possible.
One of the most interesting properties in Westport is on the market.
And it’s the first time for it, in 65 years.
4 Sherwood Island Lane is a 7-bedroom, 6 1/2-bathroom, 6,215-square foot home — on a 20.85 acre lot.
You don’t see that very often these days.
4 Sherwood Island Lane
Located off the Sherwood Island Connector, south of I-95 on the way to Sherwood Island State Park, it’s been owned by the same family for nearly 7 decades.
There are no immediate neighbors — but plenty of birdlife and other nature.
The property includes 2 1940s 3-bedroom guesthouses with water views — plus a tennis court, indoor pool, pool house and formal gardens.
Efforts will lead to mitigation that can reduce loss of property and life due to floods, severe wind, winter storms, wildfires, droughts, extreme heat and earthquakes.
Damage from Hurricane Isaias on Grove Point Road. (Photo/John Kantor)
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A large crowd filled Clarendon Fine Art Thursday night, for a reception with Mr. Brainwash.
The French-born, Los Angeles based artist earned international prominence through the Bansky film “Exit Through the Gift Shop.”
The current exhibition reimagines Van Gogh’s most recognizable motifs through his signature fusion of street art, vibrant color, mixed media and layered cultural references
The show runs through May 3. For more information, click here.
Mr. Brainwash, with one of his works. (Photo/John Videler for Videler Photography)
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As summer arrives, Fleet Feet is racing ahead.
On the local running store’s calendar:
Apex Performance Runner’s Workshop (April 27, 5 p.m.): New client specials and custom footwear fittings.
Moms Who Move (May 6, 5 to 6:30 p.m.): Women-focused movement workshop
Kane Summer Launch x Beastie Burger (May 11, 5 to 6:30 p.m.): Try on new Kane footwear; bites from Beastie Burger
Congratulations to Staples High School’s We the People team.
Suzanne Kammerman’s class recently returned from national competition in Washington, where one group won the “Unit 4” award.
The competition is a congressional mock trial hearing. Students showed mastery of different parts of the Constitution, Bill of Rights, American history and the 3 branches of government. government. Participants are judged on their ability to understand, apply, and reasoning.
Unit 4 winners include Chloe Beitel, Mehmet Madigan, Lauren Potter and Leo Viner. All are juniors.
The 2023 Staples High School graduate has just been selected as a Truman Scholar.
The College of William & Mary junior is one of 55 students nationally to receive the prestigious scholarship for aspiring public service leaders. Nearly 800 candidates were nominated.
Truman Scholars demonstrate “outstanding leadership potential, a commitment to a career in government or the nonprofit sector, and academic excellence.” Scholars receive funding for graduate studies, leadership training, career counseling, and internship and fellowship opportunities in the federal government.
Adelia Purcell
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Bloodroot is gone.
But the beloved vegan/feminist Black Rock restaurant — co-founded 49 years ago by Westporter Selma Miriam, which closed in December — can live on.
In your home.
Some great items remain, in their online auction. Among them: tables, china, glassware, framed menus, feminist books and signed cookbooks and sculpture.
The entire library — of feminist and political hard and softcover books — is being sold as one lot, too.
“Bernstein’s Wall” — Westport filmmaker Doug Tirola and producer Susan Bedusa’s documentary about Leonard Bernstein, using TV interviews, news footage, home movies, audio clips and personal letters, to explore the legendary artist’s views on freedom, politics, creativity and more — had its US theatrical premiere yesterday, at New York’s Film Forum.
Two memorial services are set for Janet Filling. The longtime Westport American Red Cross director, who also held important Red Cross posts at the state and national levels, died in February at 91.
A memorial mass will be held on June 1 (10 a.m., Fairfield University’s Egan Chapel). There will be informal reception afterward.
A celebration of life is slated for June 14 (2 p.m., Westport Library). The public is invited to both. Focusing on Janet’s deep roots and relationships in Westport, it is a time to share memories, stories and photos. Anyone wishing to speak, send a photo, or offer words though unable to attend, should email Janet’s son Greg: gfilling@gmail.com.
Janet Filling
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David Ohman is a native Californian. But he lived in Westport from 1992-98. He loved those years, and still considers it his “adopted home town.”
Recently, Frames interviewed him. He discussed portraiture, photojournalism, working with light on location, trusting spontaneity, and staying open to unexpected moments that seem to appear only for those who are truly paying attention.
After decades of making pictures, meeting people, telling stories, and navigating the transition from film to digital, Ohman still speaks about the camera with curiosity, gratitude and excitement.
Click here or below, for a fascinating and educational half hour.
PS: If you or a family member had portraits taken by Ohman in the 1990s, “06880” may have beautiful prints of your session. Email 06880blog@gmail.com with the name of the subject. We’ll check through the files that he very generously sent!
And finally … on this date in 1915, the Battle of Gallipoli began. One of the longest and bloodiest campaigns of World War I, it is a defining moment in Turkey’s history. It is also considered the beginning of Australian and New Zealand national consciousness. Today is Anzac Day, a national commemoration in both countries.
(Sure, it’s Saturday. But neither the Roundup nor “06880” takes weekends off. If you appreciate our 24/7/365 coverage of all things Westport, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Noted Westport photographer Michael Chait joins our online gallery this week.
We welcome him — and all other artists.
Professional and amateur; no matter your age; the style or subject you choose — and whether you’re a first-timer or old-timer — we want your submissions. Watercolors, oils, charcoal, pen-and-ink, acrylics, mixed media, digital, lithographs, collages, macramé, jewelry, sculpture, decoupage, needlepoint — we want whatever you’ve got.
Just email a JPG to 06880blog@gmail.com. And please include the medium you’re working in.
“NYC Newsstand Circa 1977 — Lexington Avenue & 53rd Street” (Michael Chait — Available for purchase; click here)
“It Dawned on Me” (Michael Tomashefsky — Available for purchase; click here)
Untitled (Duane Cohen — Available for purchase; click here)
“Really Big Rudbeckia” — watercolor on Arches paper, 16.5 x 11.5 (Kathleen Burke — Available for purchase; click here)
“My Little Pony” — acrylic and resin, 24 x 36 (Patricia McMahon — Available for purchase; click here)
“Butterflies Are Free” — doodling of color with 3D butterflies (Dorothy Robertshaw — Available for purchase; click here)
“Night Guard” — abstract (Tom Doran — Available for purchase; click here)
“PSOS” (Mark Yurkiw — Available for purchase; click here)
“Lucky Me! 46 Years Ago She Said ‘Yes!'” — watercolor black paint on paper (Eric Bosch)
“Strong, Handsome, and Friendly with Great Vibrations – His Entourage Also Enjoys the Music and More!” (Mike Hibbard)
Untitled (Martin Ripchick — Available for purchase; click here)
“And We Were Told Everything is Under Control!” — watercolor and graphite (Steve Stein)
“Conversation” (Lawrence Weisman)
“Sissy” — pencil on paper (Bill Fellah)
(Entrance is free to our online art gallery –as it has been for 6 years. But please consider an anniversary donation! Just click here — and thank you!)
While Westport’s attention is focused on the Cribari Bridge — and the traffic issues that already plague Saugatuck — an “06880” reader urges us not to forget about the “worst intersection” in town (and perhaps the state).
That is, of course, the cluster**** that is Riverside Avenue, Wilton Road and Post Road West. The reader writes:
Below is a 5 p.m. Google Maps screenshot of “live” traffic on the Tuesday of school vacation last week.
Wilton Road at top; Riverside Avenue at bottom; Post Road West cutting through.
I can only imagine how red the lines will be now that schools are back in session, and everyone rushes to get home from school, work and play.
A quick AI search on “06880” turns up several suggestions, offered in the past:
Traffic Officers: Some suggest assigning police officers or traffic agents to direct traffic, especially during peak hours. This has been noted to significantly improve traffic flow at similar problematic intersections, such as the Cribari Bridge. (Click here for a previous “06880” story.)
Traffic Light Timing and Configuration: Many readers suggest altering the timing of traffic lights to allow for better flow. One idea is to have green lights for only one direction at a time (e.g., green for northbound Wilton Road traffic only, then green for Post Road West traffic only; then green only for the other 3 streets, moving counter-clockwise one at a time. That would prevent backups caused by cars waiting to turn while opposing traffic is also trying to move. (Click here for a previous “06880” story.)
Road Widening and Lane Adjustments: Past opportunities were missed to widen the road or create turning lanes by acquiring properties at the intersection corners. While difficult now, widening the road, particularly at the intersection of Wilton Road and the Post Road, could create a much-needed right turning lane. (Click here for a previous “06880” story.)
Many of these suggestions involve state roads, which means changes require the Connecticut Department of Transportation’s planning, funding, and approval. (Click here for a previous “06880” story.)
In the mid-2010s, David Waldman proposed a creative solution: move the building at the corner northwest corner of Wilton Road and the Post Road — at that point, it was a liquor store — to create a turning lane.
Town officials turned him down.
Now, in 2026, the state is looking to acquire 77 square feet with eminent domain at the same location, according to recent media reports.
The Department of Transportation would install Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant sidewalks ramps, and a pedestrian push button there.
Aerial view of the intersection — without, remarkably, any traffic.
But instead of incremental tweaks to lights and sidewalks, why don’t we take time — and perhaps one of the Cribari Bridge Committees — to engage with DOT and the town, for a holistic look at the intersection for more permanent solutions?
It may be expensive to buy and/or move buildings (including, perhaps, the one at the foot of Post Road West on the eastbound side, where traffic turns sharply onto Riverside Avenue). That’s another solution proposed in the past.
But unless we build another bridge, in addition to the Cribari Bridge changes or bore a tunnel under the Saugatuck River, the traffic problems will continue to get worse in Westport.
Who is interested in shaping another solution to make Westport safer and faster?
(“06880” regularly covers transportation, local politics, real estate — and, like today, their “intersection.” If you appreciate stories like this, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
As Westport prepares to celebrate the 249th anniversary of the Battle of Compo Hill — well, at least Sunday’s Minute Man road race gives a nod to our heroic effort during the Revolutionary War — let’s remember a time when our town remembered (and honored) that historic event.
The other day, Morley Boyd sent along photos of a commemorative coin. He believes it was struck in 1935, to honor the centennial of Westport’s incorporation as a town.
One side shows the Minute Man monument, with the date “Apr. 25, 1777.”
That’s the day 26 ships carrying 1,850 British troops under the direction of General William Tryon — a force larger than at Lexington or Concord — landed at Compo Beach at dusk.
Tory loyalists planned to guide them up Compo Road to Cross Highway, across to Redding Road, then north through Redding and Bethel to Danbury, where they would burn a major supply depot. It contained much-needed tents, clothing, bedding — things necessary for a long military campaign.
Patriots fired a few shots at the corner of the Post Road and Compo, but the British marched on. In Danbury they destroyed the Continental Army’s munitions, then headed back toward their waiting ships at Compo.
Hastily assembled patriot forces fought them in the fierce Battle of Ridgefield. Led by Brigadier General Benedict Arnold — not yet a traitor — and outnumbered 3 to 1, the patriots deployed a strategy of selective engagement.
British forces landed at Compo Beach, marched to Danbury, returned south and — after the Battle of Compo Hill — retreated to Long Island.
The next day — April 28, 1777 — patriots tried to capture the Redcoats at a bridge across the Saugatuck River. That forced the soldiers to march 2 miles north, and swim across.
Meanwhile, marksmen waited on Compo Hill (the current site of Minuteman Hill road).
Twenty colonials were killed, and between 40 and 80 wounded when the British made a shoulder to shoulder charge with fixed bayonets — but, wearing everyday work clothes and using hunting guns or pistols, they gave them a fight.
It was reported that resistance here was more severe than at Lexington and Concord.
Graves of some of the patriots who fell that day lie along Compo Beach Road, just past the Minuteman statue. British soldiers are buried across Gray’s Creek, by the Longshore golf course.
Though Tryon returned to burn Norwalk and Fairfield, never again during the American Revolution did British troops venture inland in Connecticut.
The other side of the coin shows a stylized view of the Saugatuck bridge, and nearby homes.
The scene was similar to that of Westport’s original town seal.
Morley says, “I don’t think I have ever seen one of these centennial coins.”
And if one of Westport’s leading amateur historians is surprised, that’s impressive.
Do any “06880” readers know anything about that commemorative coin? If so — or if you just want to commemorate the Battle of Compo Hill — click “Comments” below.
PS: Next year is the 250th anniversary. We should not let that date pass without an, um, bang.
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