Revolutionary War Privateering
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.
Marker is at the intersection of Water Street and State Street, on the left when traveling north on Water Street.
Courtesy hmdb.org
