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As Fairfielders gathered for barbecues, parades and fireworks Sunday they were marking an event that brought horror to the town's Revolution era residents. Most of the town was burned to the ground when an invading British army stormed ashore here.
The Fairfield Museum and History Center commemorated the event with a walking tour of the town green, where the tragedy occurred. Volunteers dressed in costumes told first-hand accounts from those who experienced the burning.
Town historian Marcia Miner said the event was horrific and often forgotten, and she was excited for the chance to tell the story of the burning to many who had never heard it. Last year, the history center held a reenactment of the attack.
At least 90 structures were destroyed when the British navy landed at present-day South Pine Creek Road and ransacked and stole items along the way, leaving a trail of burning buildings behind them. With no fire department to save the town, the inferno spread quickly.
One story that was read came from Jane Bulkley, the wife of Andrew Bulkley, "They plundered my house, stripped my buckles out of my shoes, and abused me with insulting language. Their officers had not, or did not exercise command over them, so as in the least to restrain them; they continued burning houses and barns the whole night."
Further information about the event is available at the history center's website.
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