Author Talk: Peter Vermilyea – “Litchfield County in the American Revolution”

As part of its celebration of 250 years of American independence, the Cornwall Library presents Peter Vermilyea, local author, speaks about his new book, Litchfield County in the American Revolution.

From the first sparks of revolution in the 1770s, Litchfield County played an important role in the War of Independence.

Roger Sherman of New Milford was on the five-member committee that drafted the Declaration of Independence. Oliver Wolcott of Litchfield signed the document and oversaw the transportation of a toppled statue of King George III from New York City to his hometown, where it was melted down and turned into more than forty thousand musket balls. Those musket balls were perhaps fired by hundreds of local militia, including Black residents, who served in the war, while many other residents helped furnish supplies and information to the army.

However, not everyone supported the Patriot cause, as the county was also home to those who remained loyal to the British King. Later years saw the Continental Army make a winter encampment in New Milford and several visits by George Washington.

Local author and historian Peter Vermilyea reveals how liberty, sacrifice, and resilience in a small corner of New England helped shape the destiny of a new nation.

He teaches history at Housatonic Valley Regional High School in Falls Village and at the University of Connecticut. A graduate of Gettysburg College, he serves as the scholarship director of his alma mater’s Civil War Institute. He is the author or editor of five books and fifteen articles, most on aspects of Civil War history.

Books will be for sale.

Registration is required.