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 2019, Jenny Scofield and Cathy Labadia visited Old Saybrook to visit archaeological sites associated with the Siege and Battle of Saybrook Fort. Tedd Levy, historian and Project Director at the Old Saybrook Historical Society, has been instrumental in preserving and sharing the story of these sites. He arranged the tour with Dr. Kevin McBride, archaeology professor at the University of Connecticut, who is preparing a multiple property listing to the National Register of Historic Places for the sites. Together these locations represent a series of important events that occurred from September 1636 to April of 1637 when the Pequot retaliated against English actions by repeatedly attacking the new English settlement at Fort Saybrook. During the nearly six-month Pequot siege on Saybrook, the Pequot won every single engagement. The Pequot’s tactics demonstrated military organization, knowledge of large-scale regional warfare, and skills gained during the Pequot-Dutch War in 1634. The sequence of events at Old Saybrook are important to understanding the context for the Connecticut General Court declaring war on the Pequot during May of 1637.
Saybrook Fort was the first military post to be built by Europeans in the Connecticut wilderness and the area became the site for the most prolonged and intensive fighting of the Pequot War.
To increase understanding and appreciation of this important Fort site and its role in the Pequot War, the Historical Society has been engaged in a project supported by the American Battlefield Protection Program to develop materials and programs for educators and the general public.
Presenting these findings after a multi-year archaeological and historical study will be Dr. Kevin McBride, Univ. of Connecticut archaeologist and David Naumen, military historian at the Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center.
A report on these developments was presented to the public at Saybrook Point Pavilion, in the spring, 2019.
In addition, a brief report of work done to provide materials for educators was presented by James Powers, former educator and now principal of Seeking the Past -Historical Consultants.
Following the program there will be short talking tour of nearby sites related to Saybrook Fort and the Pequot War.
The original Saybrook Fort was constructed in 1636-1637 and located at the highest point on Saybrook Point, not to be confused with Saybrook Fort Monument Park which was the approximate location of the second fort. The first fort was destroyed by fire in 1647.
The Historical Society is currently working to have the Fort listed on the State and National Register of Historic Places, the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation.
Funding for the Saybrook Fort program comes from the National Park Service, American Battlefield Protection Program. For further information about Saybrook Fort or the Society’s work, email: contact@saybrookhistory.org or call 860-395-1635.
