Today we went to search for our ancestors in Norwich, Connecticut. Both sides of our families (Lanes & Smiths) came from this area, so it was the perfect place to start. We went first to the Founders Cemetery. This spot was dedicated to the founders of Norwich as their final resting place. The cemetery is marked with a granite memorial, since there are no grave markers.
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| Leffingwell House - One of Nancy's ancestors |
Nancy can trace her roots back to Thomas Leffingwell, a lieutenant during the Revolutionary War. He owned an inn in Norwich which is now a museum. We met Richard, the archivist, and he gave us a tour of the building. We were also able to visit the Old Burying Ground, a cemetery where Thomas and his family are buried. We also found another branch of the family, the Huntingtons.
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| Christopher Huntington - another branch of her family |
Back in Groton, we went to the Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park. On this site Benedict Arnold and the British forces defeated the American troops. This was the last victory for the British in the Revolutionary War. The monument there is in memory of the soldiers who fought in that battle. More Information below.
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| The Monument looks just like Bunker Hill and the Washington Monuments |
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| Looking back towards New London on the right and Groton on the left |
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| Yes - that is a house perched on the rock, with a pier to tie up a boat. |
More the you wanted to know ~
Arnold, a general in the Continental Army, decided to change sides in 1779, and opened secret negotiations with the British. In July 1780, he was offered, continued to pursue and was awarded command of West Point. Arnold's scheme was to surrender the fort to the British and turn over the arms and ammunition. After he plans were discovered he fled to England and returned in command of a British unit to capture New London and Groton in 1781, He defeated the troops at Ft. Griswold, killed and wounded many troops after the officer surrendered in what was later called the Fort Griswold massacre. His troops were ordered to burn both towns to the ground. Last week they burned his effigy in New London, then brought his leg over to Groton. The leg was wounded while he was fighting for the Colonies. Memories go way back here.
