www.danburyhistorical.org

On April 25, 1777 the British troops which has been occupying New York City since 1776 began their march to Danbury. On April 26, 1,800 men under the command of Major General William Tyron was convinced that the majority of Danbury citizens were loyal to the British. They entered Danbury a little after three in the afternoon. The local force which consisted of a little over 150 men had no choice but to retreat.

Once the British entered Danbury they burned homes, barns, stores as well as food and clothing. After some historical study scholars believe that the destruction of these building and supplies were done selectively and not at random. While in Danbury the troops became intoxicated and were in roughly the same state the next morning.

On April 27, 1777 General David Wooster lead a small force in an attempt to capture the British before they moved on. Using their knowledge of the local woods they captured 40 British soldiers. Their second attack came a few hours later. Tyron’s men were ready for them and a scuttle broke out. Wooster was shot in the back by a musket which would prove to be a fatal shot. The British continued their escape from Danbury.