Ridgefield

On April 25, 1777, Maj. Gen. William Tryon and his British forces began a raiding party through Fairfield, Norwalk, Danbury, and New London, CT in an attempt to destroy supplies for the Continental Army positioned along the Hudson Valley. American forces engaged the British at Ridgefield, CT, but ultimately the British broke through the American barricade established by Maj. Gen. Benedict Arnold’s forces and continued their return to Compo Beach ending the raid on April 28, 1777.

The Battle of Ridgefield was not a major battle that had a direct influence on a larger campaign.  However, it made the Continental Army realize the importance of stationing supplies more inland.  The battle also convinced Benedict Arnold to remain with the Continental Army. His subsequent participation in battles in 1777, such as Saratoga and Fort Stanwix, was pivotal.