Battle of Norwalk

The Battle of Norwalk (also Battle of West Rocks or Battle of the Rocks) was a series of skirmishes between American and British forces during the American Revolutionary War. The main battle was fought in Norwalk, Connecticut on July 12, 1779. British forces under General William Tryon arrived on July 10, 1779. They marched in a two pronged attack on either side of the Norwalk River. They followed a path along what is today East and West Avenues burning everything along the way. Only six houses were spared.^[1][2]

The two columns converged at the Mill Hill area by the town green () and proceeded north to the area then known as "the Rocks" where they met heavy resistance from the Norwalk militia and Continental troops.^[3]

General Tryon had commanded a series of raids on the Connecticut coast in the preceding days, attacking New Haven and Fairfield. Most of Fairfield and Norwalk were destroyed. Tryon's raids were intended to draw American forces away from the defence of the Hudson Valley. In spite of pressure from Governor Trumbull, George Washington did not move his troops.

Out of all towns the British attacked, Norwalk was the most heavily damaged in the state, historians believe. General George Washington described Norwalk as having been “destroyed” in his report to the Continental Congress after the battle.^[4]

External links

• Youtube video of Reenactment of the Battle of West Rocks
• Norwalk Fire Department History
• A History of the Battle of Norwalk

References