Led to Benedict Arnold's Attack

When the colonies chose revolution, the Continental Congress appointed Nathaniel Shaw to be in charge of Connecticut's Navy. That navy consisted largely of privateers, privately-owned armed vessels, licensed to attack British shipping. Privateers were allowed to claim their cargos to sell for profit.

Through most of the Revolutionary War, New York City was British headquarters. This made Long Island Sound a prime location for commerce-raiding. New London had 59 licensed privateers and captured over 200 merchant ships carrying a plentiful supply of goods.

The British commander decided to punish New London and sent Benedict Arnold to lead a raid. On September 6, 1781 Arnold's forces captured Fort Trumbull and Fort Griswold, in Groton, slaughtering 80 of the defenders. In New London, the entire waterfront was set ablaze. Warehouses, homes, businesses, public buildings and ships were destroyed.

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Show me all markers in:  New London, CT  |  New London County  |  06320  |  Connecticut  |  United States of America

Revolutionary New London
Nathan Hale
Nathan Hale Schoolhouse
New London Soldiers & Sailors Monument
Whaling in New London
Native Americans
The Atlantic Trade
The Amistad Incident
The Roots of the US Coast Guard
The Submarine Industry

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