Mansfield Today: Marchers recreate pivotal moment in the American Revolution
Marching through the countryside, a group of historians - along with members of AmeriCorps’ National Civilian Community Corps - is helping to remind people of an important moment in American history.
They are following the Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route Trail in commemoration of the French and American forces that followed the same route in 1781, when French and American troops won at Yorktown and the Revolutionary War ended.
The full route stretches from Newport, R.I, to Yorktown, Va., and was designated a National Historic Trail in 2009.
It stretches through eastern Connecticut at the Rhode Island line and through the Windham region.
On Wednesday (June 22), the marchers traveled down Main Street in Willimantic. They included three members of AmeriCorps NCCC: Dan Clesowich of Lebanon, David Pergamit of Oregon and Amanda Skalicky of Minnesota.
Marching is a different experience than driving, according to Pergamit. “Walking allows you to notice the little things a lot more,” he said.
When they’re not walking, they’re camping out.
Being able to experience the historic march first-hand makes it mean more, said Clesowich.
This year marks the 230th anniversary of Lt. Gen. Jean-Baptiste de Rochambeau’s march with 7,000 French troops to join the U. S. Continental Army at Philipsburg, N. Y.
From there, they marched to Yorktown and ultimately defeated the British.
The recreation of this trek actually will be completed by three teams of marchers over the course of several months.
The first team - which was seen marching in Scotland and Windham earlier this week - marches from Newport, R.I. and arrives in Philipsburg on July 7.
They then take a five- week break before a second team picks up the trail from Philipsburg to Maryland.
The third team completes the nearly 700-mile march from Maryland to Yorktown Oct. 9.
The marchers are wearing 18thcentury military uniforms representing known regiments that were involved in the march.
They will also be enduring the elements in canvas tent encampments at known historic campsites wherever and whenever possible.
Dave Fagerberg, the operations manager of the marchers, said the goal is to bring awareness of this historic event to communities and connect them to their local history.
The group’s project manager, Damon Rodnac, did not walk through Windham as Rodnac was supporting the first leg of the nearly 700-mile trip.
Rodnac was the person who contacted AmeriCorps NCCC to get the volunteers involved with the march, according to Fagerberg.
The March to Yorktown is sponsored by the Living History Education Foundation based in Buchanan, N.Y.
Even with this support, the success of the marchers depends on contributions from individuals and organizations that believe in their mission.
In fact, they received a cash donation from one generous Windham resident who believes in their mission.
Those who would like to support the marchers can send donations to: Living History Education Foundation, 11 Lake Drive, Buchanan, N. Y. 10511.
The marchers’ progress can be followed at www. facebook. com/ TheMarchers.
