America’s first and most neglected war
THE SIEGE AND BATTLES OF SAYBROOK FORT AND THE PEQUOT WAR
Until now, we knew very little about the Fort and the sieges that occurred there. But here- based on years of archaeological and historical research—is this exciting story, until now, of America’s most neglected war.
Author James Powers has examined newly discovered documents and archaeological findings to tell this story in a concise, comprehensive and compelling way.
In the summer of 1635 Lion Gardiner, an engineer with experience in constructing forts, signed a contract with English noblemen to build a fort and layout a town in the new world for “gentlemen of quality.”
Gardiner and his wife Mary along with twelve men, two women and supplies arrived at Pashbeshauke at the mouth of the Connecticut River in 1636 and quickly began constructing a fort, planting corn, and eventually building a grist mill.
Saybrook Fort was a military outpost that became the site of the most prolonged fighting of the Pequot War. There were more than 20 Pequot attacks and more than 30 English settlers and soldiers and an unknown number of Natives were killed.
This first fort, built between 1636-1637 on the highest point on Saybrook Point, was destroyed by fire during the winter of 1647-1648. Its precise construction and layout have never been determined. Until now, much of what we knew about the first fort was based on the writings of Lion Gardiner or first governor John Winthrop, Jr.
However, archaeologists are now confident that they have identified the fort’s location in the east-central area of Saybrook Point and, in addition, several battle sites have been identified
The Old Saybrook Historical Society is grateful for funding from:
The Old Saybrook Historical Society has developed a walking/biking tour featuring the siege and battles of Saybrook Fort and the Pequot War. For those seeking to ‘peddle with a purpose,’ the flat, 7 mile route travels past historic homes, beaches, the coastal waters of Long Island Sound, a beautiful 9-hole golf course, one of the oldest cemeteries in the state, and the site where Yale College began. Cyclists will also pass, but may wish to pause for food or drink at the popular Saybrook Point Inn and before resuming their travel stroll through the nearby Saybrook Fort Monument Park with its many interpretative markers and impressive statue of Lion Gardiner.
An attractive brochure, outlining the route plus an abundance of information about the Fort and the Pequot War, is available at the Historical Society, 350 Main St., Old Saybrook or at the Chamber of Commerce, 1 Main Street. Copies may be obtained by sending your request with a business size, self addressed, stamped envelope to: Old Saybrook Historical Society, 350 Main St., Box 4, Old Saybrook, CT 06475
