Wilton’s Militia
Fighting America’s Battles the Old-Fashioned Way
Randall Decoteau
The Militia is a main attraction at museum family
days.
Each April the states of Maine and Massachusetts celebrate Patriot’s
Day to commemorate the battles and skirmishes that began our fight for
independence on April 19, 1775. That “shot heard around the world”
mobilized local militia throughout the colonies and today brings to
mind the forgotten, often nameless farmers and shopkeepers who banded
together in order to protect their local communities.
As early as 1636, colonial laws in Connecticut required every town and
parish to conduct military training for their “Train Bands”
in defense of Indian raids. The Militia in Wilton, Connecticut set its
first training day for October 9, 1727, and held similar events six
times per year. The volunteers practiced marksmanship and military drills
for a full day, usually a Saturday and followed them by festivities
for the whole family that included ample food and drink. Today’s
musters follow a similar pattern.
Wilton’s Militia is Reactivated
The Wilton Militia Committee was chaired by Owen Williams, who was the
driving force behind the revival of the militia. Its study group did
six months of research on the history of Wilton’s early militia
and found that the group was very active in defending the area. It discovered
that members of the Wilton Militia had participated in the Battle of
Ridgefield, a previously unknown fact.
Local militias were the first lines of defense in colonial America and
men from the Wilton Militia served in many wars: King George’s
War (1744-1748), the French and Indian War (1756-1763), and our Revolutionary
War. Wilton’s men are hardly forgotten. Records indicate that out
of a total population of 900 people, 85 served in the French and Indian
War and more than 330 men participated in the Revolutionary War. The
latter served in the local militia, the 7th Company of the 9th Connecticut
Military Regional commanded by Samuel Comstock, or the Connecticut 5th
Regiment of the Continental Army. Eighteen of these men died in service.
During the War of 1812, 46 Wiltonians served in the 34th Connecticut
Militia for brief periods of shoreline defense.
In contrast to a standing army, militias consisted of citizens enrolled
and trained for service in times of national emergency. The Marquis
de Lafayette left vivid descriptions of the shocking appearance of Washington’s
soldiers, who were mostly country militiamen. The rag-tag group made
an impression that the odds against ousting the British were long. But
the militia’s patriotic spirit and willingness to endure unreasonable
personal discomfort made up for their early lack of military performance.
An Educational Vehicle
In 2003, the Wilton Militia was reactivated after almost 200 years of
inactivity. A member of the 5th Connecticut Regiment Continental Line,
the group celebrates the history of the town with all the appropriate
trappings, color, uniforms, and armaments of yesteryear.
“The initiative behind the move was to provide an additional activity
in the Wilton Historical Society that would provide an interest for
the men and boys in our group,” said Lee Wilson, Commander of the
Wilton Militia and President of the Society. “The move broadened
the base and appeal of the Wilton Historical Society to a much larger
audience.”
Wilson envisions his militia as a vehicle to educate children and young
adults (of all ages) about the Revolutionary Period.
“They like this stuff,” he mused.
The band of men and boys include members who are very experienced in
illustrating Von Steuben’s Manual of Arms, which still survives
and serves as a field guide for those participating in local parades
and musters.
Historical accuracy is of paramount importance to Wilton’s Militia,
whose goals are:
• Extend local knowledge of the early Wilton Militia, including
its organization, functions, and the important role it played in the
history of Wilton and the lives of the Wilton citizens.
• Provide an opportunity for interested persons to learn more about
a community militia in colonial and early American times by participating
in drills, battle reenactments, and firing exercises.
• Raise the public’s awareness and appreciation for the early
Militia’s historical significance through public events, including
musket and cannon firings.
• Increase the community’s knowledge and interest in the resources
and contributions of The Wilton Historical Society.
The Grasshopper
A special member of the Wilton Militia is a replica of a Verbruggen
Cannon, purchased by the society in 2003. Originally manufactured by
Jan Verbruggen for the British army, the Americans captured a number
of these cannons at Saratoga and put them to good use against the British.
Sometimes nicknamed ‘Grasshoppers,’ they are light enough
to be moved quickly up and down a battlefield. The bronze alloy cannon
barrel weighs a little more than 200 pounds. When they bought the Grasshopper,
members of the Wilton Militia were invited by the Artillery Company
of Newport (chartered in 1741) to spend three days at Fort Adams in
order to learn about the operation of their new cannon.
“Most militias didn’t have cannons, but it’s a rallying
point for us,” said Wilson. “Believe me, you fire one of those
things for a crowd and they love it.”
It’s a thrill to watch a firing demonstration on the circular drive
outside the Historical Society. Tension mounts as the barrel is primed,
charges are placed, and everything is made ready. The boom is deafening
and the smoke clouds the immediate area. It’s a salute to Wilton
militiamen past and present.
“You know, Hunter Brown, Dr. Gregg Chann, and myself have been
certified by the State of Massachusetts for cannon and mortar competency,”
Wilson said. “This was purely an elective initiative for us, but
for safety issues we figured we needed to be as well-informed as possible
when performing at public events.”
Appropriate Trappings, Uniforms, and Armaments
About 22 men and boys are on the email list of the Wilton Militia with
about 16 that are really active in re-enactments. Many don’t wear
uniforms because militiamen were basically farmers. Prior to the Revolution,
there were no uniforms and street clothes of the period were worn. However,
pieces of equipment like cartridge boxes, muskets, bayonets, scabbards,
and the cannon are very important.
“We have a couple of experienced re-enactors in the Society who
have helped us immensely,” said Wilson. “They are a valuable
resource, and continue to be a big help.”
The men perform cannon drills constantly and do blank fire exercise
where live charges are fired without projectiles. Many of these drills
take place up at Ambler farm in Wilton. The terrain up there is more
reminiscent of what the landscape looked like at the time of the Revolutionary
War.
Patriotic spirit survives through the men and boys of the Wilton Militia.
The group helps bring history alive, and gives us all a greater understanding
of the sacrifices made to help establish this country.
“This has been a very rewarding experience for me,” admitted
Wilson. “It’s been both engaging and a learning experience.”
Wilton Militia, Wilton Historical Society, Inc., 224 Danbury Road,
Wilton, CT 06897, (203) 762-3927, www.wiltonmilitia.org
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