Cornwall sounds call to arms for United States’ 250th birthday

CORNWALL — The Revolutionary War officially began April 19, 1775, with a “shot heard ’round the world” at the Battles of Lexington and Concord. Colonial patriots, including many in the Northwest Corner, banded together to fight for independence.

About 250 years later, Cornwall began preparations for the quarter-millennial birthday of the United States of America, which will be recognized in 2026.

On Thursday, April 17, Warren Stevens arrived at the village green fitted in period-appropriate regalia as a Revolutionary War militiaman.

“I’m an older guy, so I’m a veteran of the earlier French and Indian War,” said Stevens. “Now, I’m opposed to tyranny.”

Stevens is part of a new committee forming to plan historical events in town for the 250th celebration.

Along with Stevens on the committee will be all three town selectmen plus Bill McClane of the historical society and Bill Dinneen of the Agricultural Advisory Commission. Dinneen and First Selectman Gordon Ridgway were at the green on Thursday.

“The Ag Fair is Sept. 13 of this year and Warren will be there all set up as he is now,” said Dinneen regarding efforts to promote the upcoming festivities. “But I’ll have more firearms, a tent, you know, a one-man camp,” explained Stevens.

Ridgway said a number of events have been proposed to recognize Cornwall’s contribution to the revolution. Projects include Militia Day on the green, an exhibit at the historical society, an educational program with the elementary school, extended Memorial Day celebrations, a July 4 picnic and parade and the restoration of Revolutionary War veteran grave markers in town.

“Almost 200 people from here served in the Revolution but there’s no plaque, no formal acknowledgment of all those people who did incredible things,” said Ridgway regarding recent efforts to finalize a list of Cornwall veterans.

The list includes notable figures such as Colonel Ethan Allen, Colonel Heman Swift and Lieutenant Colonel John Sedgwick.

“There’s a lot of tie-ins and there’s a lot of stuff that’s hidden here in people’s attics or people’s memories. We want to get all that out and recorded as best we can,” said Ridgway.

Stevens described Militia Day as a transformation of the village green back to 1775. Multiple regiments are expected to take part in the reenactment to portray a staging ground.

“There will be drills, musket firing, camp life, all kinds of little skits and scenarios like court marshals, guys who are running around chasing a deserter. It will be like a militia company stopped here for a weekend in Cornwall to go join up with Washington,” said Stevens.

Preparation efforts will continue through the rest of 2025 and into 2026.